Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, are reportedly not happy with President Muhammadu Buhari.
It was learnt that both men, who were said to have supported Buhari during the election, are not comfortable with Buhari’s anti corruption fight which involves their cronies.
Orosanye
A source, who did not want his name in print, alleged that Obasanjo’s anger stems from the ordeal of his protege, former Head of Civil Service, Steven Oronsaye, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over pension and national identity card schemes.
On July 13, the Federal High Court, Abuja fixed Oronsaye’s trial for October 28 and 29. He faces 24 allegations, including stealing and obtaining money by false pretense.
Oronsaye is charged along with Osarenkhoe Afe and Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman of the Pension Task Team, now at large.
“Obasanjo must have been angry with Buhari because he expected him to use his executive powers to prevent the trial of his ‘boy’. But you know that Buhari would be the last person to pervade the cause of justice,” the source said.
Taraba tribunal
He added that Danjuma’s alleged grouse is over the election tribunal case in Taraba State where All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Jumai Al-Hassan, filed a case against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Governor Darius Ishaku, who is Danjuma’s loyalist.
“Danjuma must have hoped also that Buhari would use his position in the APC to persuade the party to soft pedal on the matter and allow his candidate enjoy his tenure without any post election palaver.
“So when he saw that no such interference was coming from Buhari, he got angry,” the source said.
“From the feelers coming out from that tribunal, it is likely the election will be cancelled and this does not go down well with the likes of Danjuma.”
Aso Rock denies knowledge
A top official of the APC confirmed that Buhari has also been having a running battle with Obasanjo and Danjuma who are pushing candidates for cabinet positions.
But Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, said he is “not aware of it.”
Another source added that “people blaming the APC leadership for everything are ignorant of the workings of government. No one should forget that we needed a pan-Nigerian support and we got it.
Difficult balancing act
“We cannot play the role of ingrates just because we have taken over government and power. We just need to bring all on board to ensure we have a seamless sail in governance.
“But the only problem we are having is the insistence of some critical stakeholders on certain issues, for instance in the area of recommendations for appointments. “For instance, if Obasanjo wants someone as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and there are now challenges, we need to be careful in determining who will be, without bruising the man’s ego.
“But that is not to say that it is not Buhari’s prerogative to appoint anyone as SGF. “In the same vein, can we ignore the contributions of Danjuma? He made tremendous input, especially in mobilising Northern Christian minorities for the APC.
“So, if today Buhari says he will not appoint a substantive minister as against whatever deal, there must be some reciprocity even if what Danjuma wanted is no longer possible.”