Criminal Politics: Violence, “Godfathers” and Corruption in Nigeria

that purported “impeachment” provide a clear illustration of the ways in which state
and federal government institutions and law enforcement agencies were
manipulated, misused, and influenced by corruption under Obasanjo’s stewardship.
Human Rights Watch interviewed several legislators in the Anambra State House of
Assembly who said that they were persuaded to support the impeachment bid
through a combination of bribery and coercion that they believed was at least tacitly
supported by the presidency in Abuja. 248
In October 2006 the PDP leadership in the Anambra legislature transported a group
of 18 Anambra legislators to the Grand Hotel, a sprawling luxury resort on the banks
of the Niger River in Asaba, the capital of neighboring Delta State. They remained at
the hotel for several weeks as party leaders worked to build consensus for a move
against Obi. Members interviewed by Human Rights Watch said that they received
moral support from and had meetings in Asaba and Abuja with powerful PDP
member Olabode George, Anambra State PDP Chairman Tony Nwoye and Chris Uba’s
brother Andy Uba, then serving as President Obasanjo’s Special Advisor on Domestic
Affairs. 249 The legislators said that in those meetings they were repeatedly urged to
impeach Governor Obi. 250
Human Rights Watch interviewed three legislators who were among those at Asaba.
They said that the House leadership gave them funds not only to cover their
considerable expenses at the resort, but also frequent infusions of “pocket money”
ranging from N50,000 to N200,000 ($385 to $1540). 251 A senior member of the PDP
leadership in the State House of Assembly reportedly told them that the funds had
arrived from Abuja but refused to spell out its precise source. They said that the most
significant inducement the state’s PDP leadership offered them was the promise of
248 Human Rights Watch interviews with Anambra state legislators, Awka, February 2007.
249 Human Rights Watch interviews with Anambra state legislators, Awka, February 2007.
250 Ibid.
251 Human Rights Watch interviews with Anambra state legislators, Awka, February 2007. When Human Rights Watch visited
the Grand Hotel in February 2007, the price of a single room was $223 for one night.
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