3RD TERM: BUGAJE COUNTERS OBASANJO, SAYS MONEY, THREATS WERE USED. (PHOTO).

 3rd term: Bugaje counters Obasanjo, says money, threats were used

Dr. Usman Bugaje, a Political activist and former federal lawmaker, has contradicted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s denial of seeking a third term in office.

Obasanjo, while speaking at a democracy dialogue hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Ghana last week, had dismissed the issue.

He added that he could have gotten it if he wanted to.

“I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian dead or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term,” the former president said during the event.

However, Bugaje, appearing on Arise Television, maintained that Obasanjo did everything within his power to extend his stay.

The former NASS member during Obasanjo’s administration, said his colleagues then had direct knowledge of the extension plot.

“I can confirm to you that Obasanjo looked for a third term. He did everything that he could within his power to get a third term, but he failed to do so.

“Now, the fact that he did not take a telephone to make a particular call to anybody is not sufficient evidence that he did not look for a third term.

“It’s just a matter of style, but all of us in the National Assembly at that time knew beyond any doubt that he worked day and night, and many of us were threatened by his own agents,” he claimed.

Bugaje recounted incidents of intimidation against lawmakers and cited the episode of the then leader of the Northern Caucus at the House of Representatives, Senator Victor Lar.

“He (Lar) was forced into hiding at different times before a decisive meeting to resist the third-term bid.

“Those people who actually distributed the money and threatened us are alive. Those who received the money are alive. Those who refused to receive the money are alive. There is sufficient evidence… this is a matter that is incontrovertible, there is no way he can deny it,” Bugaje submitted.

In 2006, Nigeria’s politics was engulfed by heated debates over a proposal to alter the 1999 Constitution before it was killed by the legislature.

The development was widely celebrated and hailed from turning Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy into dictatorship.

If approved by the National Assembly, would have opened the door for presidents to remain in office for three straight terms.