The war of words between Obasanjo and Jonathan appears to be taking a different dimension. Recall that Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, recently blamed the incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan for allowing the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, to grow into a monster that is now uncontrollable by his failure to adopt his Odi and Zakibiam approach

The former president who spoke at a lecture delivered by Professor Bolaji Akinyemi to mark the 40th anniversary of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s call to ministry at the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri in Delta State, also tasked Nigerians to choose between a strong leader who might adopt unusual approach to tackle a problem or a weak leader who will leave the problem to fester.
Recall that The Odi massacre which was ordered by Obasanjo, was an attack carried out on November 20, 1999, by the Nigerian military on the predominantly Ijaw town of Odi in Bayelsa State. The attack came in the context of an ongoing conflict in the Niger Delta over indigenous rights to oil resources and environmental protection.
The military invaded Odi, exchanged fire, and then proceeded to indiscriminately attack the civilian population and the town's buildings. Every building in the town except the bank, the Anglican church and the health center was burned to the ground.
A wide range of estimates have been given for the numbers of civilians killed. Human Rights Watch concluded that "the soldiers must certainly have killed tens of unarmed civilians and that figures of several hundred dead are entirely plausible." Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action, claims that nearly 2500 civilians were killed.
Similarly,In 2001, Obasanjo ordered the military to unleash systematic terror on unarmed civilians, a type that has not been heard of or seen in Nigerian history.
At the end of that military action, no fewer than 900 persons including women, children, young and old were massacred with many of the women violated in that gory expedition.
Many properties were also destroyed. Few years after, the Nigerian Army apologized to the communities.
GEJ while responding to questions on Sunday's media chat maintained that the Odi massacre did not solve any problem. That the spate of militancy and pipeline vandalism even incresaed after the massacre, until Yar'adua introduced the amnesty programme. He recalled that only women and children were victims as the real militants were not killed by the soldiers.

In a dramatic form, the former spokesman to Obj, Fani Kayode in a statement released recently, argued that the military action in Odi and Zakibiam achieved the desired purpose. He further stated that Gejs position is not true because he was briefed by security managers. He concluded that Gej must adopt thesame approach to tackle Boko haram.
Although the Boko Haram menace is a disturbing issue, raiding down the whole of North East as Obasanjo and his aid are suggesting may not be the best option. Kano for instance has a population of over 5million Nigerians. Imaging the death toll if the Nigerian military were to raid down Kano and other states. While Obasanjo may have "militarilized"our democracy, the civil, all inclusive, mass participatory, humane character of Gej's administration cannot be taken for weakness. Dialogue is the best way to resolve crisis, and GEJ deserves commendation for accepting that option. Killing innocent Nigerians like Obasanjo did will never win us the desired peace. I'm happy Obasanjo corrected himself when he said force must not be applied in all cases.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/10/zaki-biam-invasion-10-years-after-we-still-mourn-our-fate/

i personally believe the Zaki biam approach would be causing more death of innocent Nigerians, adding to the toll already taken by the insurgents... so in my opinion... make we dialogue jare...abi blood never tire una to see

While we all desire peace, care must be taken not to waste lives of innocent Nigerians. Dialogue remains the best

Personally, i think the hard way should not be the only way out, even with present level of JTF operations in the crises ridden North, people are casting govt on the actions of JTF. However, i advise Govt to collaborate with Northern Elders and Statesmen and security agencies in order to bring an end to this evil called Boko Haram, moreso now that they see that the Govt is winning the battle against terrorism and they ready/calling for dialogue with FG.

The carrot and stick approach remains the best option to manage terror,Boko Haram is an evil group but they are still Nigerians it must have informed the the present administration to contemplate dialogue as an option while military activities is carried out to check their excesses.The OBJ approach of killing the enemy must have worked for him in the past,but the Boko Haram crises has to do with ideology which is difficult to kill,I think the govt is on the right course OBJ is just crying more than the bereaved.

i will not blame the Nigerian government if it adopt Zakibiam approach to tackle terrorism in the country. As a matter of fact, the present administration has exercised maximum patience on the terrorists. Then the President can not fold alms and watch some useless cannibals destroying his govt...but we should continue to pray for peace to reign

Opiti99: i will not blame the Nigerian government if it adopt Zakibiam approach to tackle terrorism in the country. As a matter of fact, the present administration has exercised maximum patience on the terrorists. Then the President can not fold alms and watch some useless cannibals destroying his govt...but we should continue to pray for peace to reign

that will be wiping like the whole maiduguri or what? is that what you are implying?

i beleive OBJ may b speaking as an ex military man stl having military blood flowing in his veins, so aint surprise...but the are alot of questions dat need answers regarding wot happened in odi and zakibiam, which he will answer someday...things have really change now, so as approach to handling issues changed...in todays world, u dnt just use ur office as a President to cause pains in the life of pple, knowing fully well that one day you wont be there again, and you will have the pple to face either for your actions and inactions, base on these i strongly beleive that diplomatic approach is usually beta than the violent approach, cos at the end those that encouraged you to use the violent approach wont be there to face the repacution with u. Peoples Personality matter, sometimes those that appear weak, most times get the job done carefully and tactically while the violent makes alot of errors and hasty decision which will def have a recoiling effect.

needs more explanation

My concern is how OBJ talking these days as if he is saint,we all know how he misruled this country for 8 eights,Boko haram is a problem to all of us,the point is that most times we forget that this govt also has its success story we just talk without applauding our Sy agencies,terror is a global phenomeon not peculiar to Nigeria alone,as much as force is needed,dialogue still remains the best option because of colossal damage.

markus1133: needs more explanation

Obasanjo wants Jonathan to apply the same approach he used in Odi and Zakibiam. This approach entails ordering military personnel to shoot any living creature on sight, and level down troubled area. Invariably, the call is for soldiers to invade states like Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Kano, and the rest. just imagine the damage that will be incurred if such inhuman, order is giving. Most of these states are center of economic and agricultural activities. Imagine also the lives of innocent people that will be lost. That GEJ hasn't ordered the destruction of these states doesn't make him a weak leader, it only shows that he is sensitive, and committed to the ideals of democracy.

Even God called his creatures for dialogue. This is the only way out. Force can only guarantee momentary peace. Dialogue brings about long term peace. GEJ isn't a military, Obj shouldn't teach him crude method

Omojuo: Even God called his creatures for dialogue. This is the only way out. Force can only guarantee momentary peace. Dialogue brings about long term peace. GEJ isn't a military, Obj shouldn't teach him crude method

U can say that again oh....peace is all we need not blood bath...

I just dey laugh

OBJ is a big joker who always want to be associated for the wrong reasons,I have never seen anywhere in the world where violence has a battle without serious repercussions,dialogue and caution still are still the methods.

Na my method gud pass. Hug transformaaaaaaaaaaaa

Obasanjo wants Jonathan to apply the same approach he used in Odi and Zakibiam. This approach entails ordering military personnel to shoot any living creature on sight, and level down troubled area. Invariably, the call is for soldiers to invade states like Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Kano, and the rest. just imagine the damage that will be incurred if such inhuman, order is giving. Most of these states are center of economic and agricultural activities. Imagine also the lives of innocent people that will be lost. That GEJ hasn't ordered the destruction of these states doesn't make him a weak leader, it only shows that he is sensitive, and committed to the ideals of democracy.

that approach is a crude and uncivil one. dialogue remains a viable tool.

Ete Flexible: Obasanjo wants Jonathan to apply the same approach he used in Odi and Zakibiam. This approach entails ordering military personnel to shoot any living creature on sight, and level down troubled area. Invariably, the call is for soldiers to invade states like Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Kano, and the rest. just imagine the damage that will be incurred if such inhuman, order is giving. Most of these states are center of economic and agricultural activities. Imagine also the lives of innocent people that will be lost. That GEJ hasn't ordered the destruction of these states doesn't make him a weak leader, it only shows that he is sensitive, and committed to the ideals of democracy.

Even thogh GEJ said during the media chat that govt is involve in any dialogue with a faceless group,the forceful approach earlier suggested by OBJ is anti people,the Boko Haram is an evil group but the fact still remains that they can be forgiven if they lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace,but invading a whole state to fish out terrorist will do more harm than good.

I dont know what is happening here but i know that these BH guys are on the run! . i believe some precise tactical military operation setting them on their heels! They should even be begging for the dialogue sef... Non.sence!!!

I may not blame Kayode, he is doing his job which is, to protect his master even inthe face of glaring error. While Honourable men would bury their head in such cases, Kayode shamelessly sticks his neck. He must be a dogmatic aid.
Truth be told, Odi massacre didn't solve any problem. The spate of bombing in the region even increased in the creeks, with resultant fall in crude oil production. Yar'adua in his wisdom introduced tha amnesty programme and the region has been relatively quiet. Blaming and recommending force to arrest the Boko Haram is totally wrong. While OBJ's insensitivity may be the reason for such order, a responsible govt would consider the fate of the general public, and effects of such operations before taking any action. GEJ did this and has opened room for dialogue. GEJ'S call for dialogue is indicative of his commitment to the wellbeing of all. This isnt a sign of weakness. GEJ deserves commendation.

Old age at work. Mustn't be taken seriously

Its only someone who has not witnesssed military occupation or someone who is ignorant of histroy,that will support OBJ's advice on tackling of BH not least his suppositon that 'military attrition will solve Boko Haram insurgency'. In 2006,military invaded anambra state and then,i understood what it means to be under military occupation.this is even when the treatment of Odi and Zaki-ibiam was not meted on anambra but what we saw was 'hell'.Since Boko Haram started,i have always said that Boko Haram cannot be defeated with war.If federal govt had stepped up assault on Niger delta militants then,they(FG) could have won because of the topography of the region which is bounded by ocean.But miltary invasion of Odi/Zaki-ibiam style cannot work in north because of topography.when u look at north,there are several countries sharing border with that region and all these countries are haven of terrorists and such area can provide a shelter for Boko Haram and Nigeria porous border,which cant be policed,will allow them to carry-out different styles of cross-border attacks in the manner of Taliban of Afghanistan.Secondly,the economic cost of such military activities will be better imagined. Nigeria is looking for Foreign Direct Investment,if Govt invade a region,how can the same govt convince a foreigner that Nigeria is not in serious war.another thing is the destruction of properties/agricultural activities that will be enormous. Thirdly,the number of casualties will be great and question is,who will be this victims? Civillians or armed men? Answer is,'civilian'. And since govt cannot police its border,does it mean that Nigeria will continue the war perpetually? How will poor northerners be during this war. Govt should not allow a repeat of Biafra war/Odi and Zaki-ibam massacre to happen in any other part of nigeria again. Even if military achieve its purpose,the peace will not last because the cause of the conflict is Ideological. GEJ's effort so far is commendable.Dialogue is the best option.

Sealeddeal: Its only someone who has not witnesssed military occupation or someone who is ignorant of histroy,that will support OBJ's advice on tackling of BH not least his suppositon that 'military attrition will solve Boko Haram insurgency'. In 2006,military invaded anambra state and then,i understood what it means to be under military occupation.this is even when the treatment of Odi and Zaki-ibiam was not meted on anambra but what we saw was 'hell'.Since Boko Haram started,i have always said that Boko Haram cannot be defeated with war.If federal govt had stepped up assault on Niger delta militants then,they(FG) could have won because of the topography of the region which is bounded by ocean.But miltary invasion of Odi/Zaki-ibiam style cannot work in north because of topography.when u look at north,there are several countries sharing border with that region and all these countries are haven of terrorists and such area can provide a shelter for Boko Haram and Nigeria porous border,which cant be policed,will allow them to carry-out different styles of cross-border attacks in the manner of Taliban of Afghanistan.Secondly,the economic cost of such military activities will be better imagined. Nigeria is looking for Foreign Direct Investment,if Govt invade a region,how can the same govt convince a foreigner that Nigeria is not in serious war.another thing is the destruction of properties/agricultural activities that will be enormous. Thirdly,the number of casualties will be great and question is,who will be this victims? Civillians or armed men? Answer is,'civilian'. And since govt cannot police its border,does it mean that Nigeria will continue the war perpetually? How will poor northerners be during this war. Govt should not allow a repeat of Biafra war/Odi and Zaki-ibam massacre to happen in any other part of nigeria again. Even if military achieve its purpose,the peace will not last because the cause of the conflict is Ideological. GEJ's effort so far is commendable.Dialogue is the best option.

I totally agree with your analysis,posterity will judge any administration that engages in war with whatever group,some people have been criticizing the amnesty programme,but it is one of the best things that have ever taken place,war is not an option,what the JTF is doing now is the right step in the right direction curtailing further damage,and I see this crises ending soon.

PrettyRita: Old age at work. Mustn't be taken seriously

U can say that again....

Opiti99: i will not blame the Nigerian government if it adopt Zakibiam approach to tackle terrorism in the country. As a matter of fact, the present administration has exercised maximum patience on the terrorists. Then the President can not fold alms and watch some useless cannibals destroying his govt...but we should continue to pray for peace to reign

Amen oh my broda we all want peace.