Kashamu secures court order stopping publication of Obasanjo’s memoirs

In his well-publicised letter to President Goodluck Jonathan last, Obasanjo had written concerning Buruji: “Lies and untruths  about me emanating from the presidency is (are) too absurd to contemplate. Saying that I recommended a wanted criminal by UK and USA authorities to you or your aides to supplant legitimately elected PDP leader in South-West is not only unwise  and  crude  but  also  disingenuous. Nobody  in  his  or  her  right senses  will  believe  such  a  story  and  surely  nobody in  Ogun  State or South-West zone will believe such nonsense. It is a clear indication of how unscrupulous and unethical the presidency can go to pursue your personal and political interest. Nothing else matters. What a pity!

“Nothing at this stage of my life would prevent me from standing for whatever I consider to be in the best interest of Nigeria – all Nigeria, Africa and  the  world in  that order. I believe strongly that a united and strong PDP at all costs is in the best  interest  of  Nigeria. In  these  respects,  if  our  interests  and  views coincide,  together  we  will  march. Putting  a  certified  unashamed  criminal wanted abroad to face justice and who has greatly contributed to corruption within the judiciary on a high profile of politics as you and your aides have done with the man you enthrone as PDP Zonal leader in the South-West is the height of disservice to this country politically and height of insult to the people  of  South-West  in  general  and  members  of  PDP  in  that  zone  in particular. For me, my politics goes with principles and morality and I will not be a party to highly  profiling criminals in politics, not to say one  would be  my  zonal  leader.

“It  destroys  what  PDP  stands  for  from  its  inception. By the government not acting positively and promptly in the case of Buruji Kashamu wanted in the US for drug trafficking and money laundering crimes, it is only confirming the persistent reports of complicity or involvement of high-level political figures in drug trafficking and condonation of the crime for political benefit. Whichever way, it is a very dangerous development for Nigeria. Sooner or later, drug barons will be in control of large real estates, banks and other seemingly legitimate businesses; in elections they will buy candidates, parties and eventually buy power or be in power themselves.”

Kashamu, in his response, denied all allegations.

“The indubitable fact of history that Baba Obasanjo has not told the world is that it was during his first tenure as president that he and former Beninoise President Matthew Kerekou directed the relevant security agencies to give truthful evidence that exonerated me.

“That was why the Interpol in Nigeria and Benin Republic as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) came to the London courts in 2000/2001 to give evidence during my incarceration and trial. That also explained why when I returned I became his associate.”

Kashamu went further to disclose some of the deals he claimed to have had with his estranged benefactor in the past.

“He used me to prosecute his battle against former governor Gbenga Daniel. When it was time to field candidates for the 2011 general elections, he brought his stooge, Gen. Adetunji Olurin, and asked me to roll the party structure behind his anointed candidate,” he said. “In his usual holier-than-thou manner, he talked about not being able to work with me because of his principles, honour and integrity.

“But the questions Nigerians should ask him are: where were his principles when he used to take me into the inner recesses of his abode? Where was his honour when he served me breakfast, lunch and dinner in his Hilltop mansion? Where was his integrity when he mounted the rostrum to sing my praises, praying for me as he did in May 2010 during a reception for the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye?

“I can go on and on! Despite his pretensions, the reason I have become the target of Obasanjo’s wicked campaign of calumny and blackmail is his perceived loss of political relevance in Ogun State and the south sest. He is against the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan and he had wanted to use the erstwhile national secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the former national auditor, Bode Mustapha and the ex-national vice-chairman, Segun Oni, to thwart Mr. President’s re-election.

“The almighty Allah Subhana wa tala used me to stand up to him and the rest is history. Before his very eyes the PDP in the south west is on a rebound and we are winning elections free and square unlike what obtained during his reign when contrived electoral victories were being easily upturned.”