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Tag: Obasanjo

  • Obasanjo and contentious 2023 presidential poll

    DURING a political trip to Anambra State in the closing days of December, former president Olusegun Obasanjo warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful in the Southeast to beware of the promise by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to back an Igbo man for the presidency in 2023. The former president argued that the ruling party was not sincere, and that only voting the PDP, with Peter Obi on the ticket, could facilitate the realisation of the Southeast’s presidential ambition. Is he right? It is difficult to tell. But if the doublespeak by top APC functionaries is anything to go by, it may be much harder for the Igbo to win the coveted seat as quickly as they hope.

    Chief Obasanjo’s suggestion to the Igbo not to trust the APC is probably based on the countervailing promises by  APC leaders to facilitate the presidency in 2023 for both the Southeast and the Southwest. Last July, at a mega rally in Owerri, Imo State, Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), pointedly told the Igbo to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari to enhance the chances of an Igbo man assuming the presidency in 2023. Said he: “…2019 will make or mar the chances of the Southeast zone in occupying the presidency in 2023. I call on Southeast sons and daughters to have a paradigm shift in 2019 and support Buhari’s re-election. The presidency of this nation is always negotiated and you cannot negotiate from the point of weakness. It will be determined by the votes Buhari gets from the South East, and you have to bring the same expertise you have always employed in trade and commerce into politics, to take over in 2023. It is now the choice for the South East to make.”

    Speaking again in Abuja during a visit to the president by a delegation of Igbo leaders in November, the SGF reiterated: “…There was a programme in the Southeast where Mr. President asked me to represent him and I flew the kite by telling the south-eastern states that their quickest and easiest means to presidency is to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term. Meaning that they can short circuit the period in terms of only having him there for another four years and whatever they do in 2019 will determine what will happen thereafter because politics is a game of numbers and it is like a cooperative society. Whatever you bring as an investment when dividends are going to be shared, you will get proportionate with your investment and your investment in politics is what you bring to the table and I urge the Southeast to look at this matter seriously that every time we have a presidency in Nigeria, it is negotiated in several ways. Either negotiated by votes or what you bring to the table and you must negotiate from the position of strength. You can’t negotiate from the point of weakness and I believe that that message resonated with the people and their response now is attributable to the fact that even before the flag-off of the campaigns, we have laid it bare on the table for Southeastern states to consider the prospect of working with us to ensure that at least by the time President Buhari finishes his second tenure, they can make a shot at the presidency depending on what they bring to the table.”

    But while conducting a door-to-door campaign in Oyo town in Oyo State, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reportedly suggested in the presence of the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, that re-electing President Buhari was the surest bet for the Yoruba to return to the presidency in 2023. Said he: “The 2019 election is our own. We are not looking at 2019 but 2023. If we get it in 2019, Yoruba will get it in 2023. Because if we don’t get it in 2019, we may not get it in 2023, and it may take a very long time to get it. We need to look at tomorrow and not because of today. What we are doing now is for tomorrow and not for today.” What does this mean? Prof Osinbajo was simply saying that rather than the Southwest waiting for probably another eight years before getting the chance to have a shot at the presidency, their surest bet was to back President Buhari and wait for only four years. Moreover, he was also saying that the Yoruba are entrenched in this government and their chances are much brighter now and will remain so in 2023 than with the Atiku/Obi ticket.

    But the wider implication, as alluded to by Chief Obasanjo, is that the APC was simply being dishonest in its promises, considering that two APC leaders could so glibly promise the presidency to two different political zones without betraying any emotions or disconcerting qualms. Incumbency is a strong factor in succession politics, as amply but unscrupulously demonstrated by Chief Obasanjo himself in 2007. But no matter how big the promise is, there is a limit to how a president can single-handedly determine his successor. Both Chief Obasanjo and the APC are obviously not familiar with the democratic tenet of reserving the choice of successors to the electorate. They are still used to imposition. By 2023, it should be clear whose view is anachronistic.

  • Why we must get politics, security right, by Obasanjo

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo said Nigeria and other African countries must get their politics right for the continent to grow rapidly and meet up with the West.

    He also advocated for security of lives, jobs and citizens’ well-being.

    Obasanjo spoke at the Believers’ Loveworld Convocation Arena in Lagos during the 2018 Watch night service with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

    The ex-president, in his address, gave five Ps, which he termed as pillars of growth for Africa.  They are: politics, population, protection, prosperity and partnership.

    In his words: “We must get politics right. Democracy is not only in election, it is popular participation, and satisfying the needs of the people.

    “Our protection/security should be in all ramifications. There is nowhere in Africa that security is the way it should be, and this is not good for us.  We must ensure security of not only lives, but even the jobs people do.”

    On population management, Obasanjo noted: “Our population is growing fast. At Independence, Nigeria had 45 million people. Today, the nation has about 200 million people. We must manage our population, and this can be done by education. The empowerment of people is very important.”

    The former president advised Africans and, especially Nigerians, to stop talking about poverty.

    “When you tell people that Africa is poor, they tell you that they have heard enough of that.  But Africa is not poor, we made ourselves poor. We must stop talking about poverty.”

    President of the Believers Loveworld (popularly called Christ Embassy) Pastor Chris Oyakhilome declared the year 2019 as the year of light, admonishing his congregation to overcome evil with good in the course of the year.

  • Obasanjo, Saraki, Sambo, Aregbesola, El-Rufa’i, others condole with Shagari’s family

    MORE eminent Nigerians  yesterday  condoled with the family of late ex-President Shehu Shagari.

    They include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki,  ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Nasiru el-Rufa’i have

    They described him as an epitome of personal integrity, commitment, forbearance, forgiveness and faith in God.

    Obasanjo, Saraki, Sambo, el-Rufa’i and Shettima spoke in their condolence remarks at the residence of the late Shagari.

    Aregbesola expressed his condolences in a statement by his spokesman Mr. Sola Fasure.

    Obasanjo was led to the Sama Road, Sokoto family house of the late Second Republic President by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal after arriving through the Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto at about 9a.m.

    The former president, who was received by Shagari’s eldest son, Muhammadu Bala Shagari, said the late elder statesman was a man of simplicity, faith in God and commitment to the fatherland.

    Obasanjo, while noting his days in service and closeness to the late Shagari when they were both Federal Commissioners of Works and Finance in Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet, said the late Shagari was an honest, transparent and committed Nigerian.

    Obasanjo recalled how the late Shagari expressed surprise when the mantle of leadership was handed to him in 1979 by a military head of state, who happened to be himself.

    The junior Shagari thanked the former President for the condolence visit and appreciated his closeness to late Shagari.

    He noted that Obasanjo was the man, who assisted their late father to have a house of his own in Abuja.

    “Sir, I must say that of our family members of nine children to late Shagari, none of us, if not of recent that two have such property in Abuja. We are living his life style too.”

    He ushered the former President in to condole with the widows.

    Saraki has said Nigerians should learn from the sense of humour, wisdom and patriotism of late former President Shehu Shagari.

    According to Saraki, he was a true and reliable democrat. If we hold on to that, our democracy will be more strong and promising. He stood for the development of Nigeria as a nation.

    Saraki who visited the family of the former President  yesterday afternoon whom he regarded a father and close associate of his late father, described the death as a great loss to Nigeria.

    He said Shagari lived a worthy and trusted life for the development of the country.

    “He lived a humble life to the fullest with exemplary sense of commitment and dedication to service”, he pointed out.”

    Saraki was in company of the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, Sen. Sani Yariman Bakura, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, Ataahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa among others led by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    Aregbesola said yesterday that he received with much sadness the news of the passage of the first democratically elected president.

    The former Osun State governor said he, however, accepted the news of Shagari’s exit with total submission to the will of Allah, describing it as an irreparable loss to the country.

    He described the former President as a complete gentleman and a devout Muslim through his life.

    He said the deceased could hardly hurt a fly, but found himself among political hawks during his tenure as President.

    Aregbesola noted that the late Shagari was a compassionate person, a patriot, believer in project Nigeria and its unity, which was evident in the slogan of his party – One Nation, One Destiny, One Country.

    Aregbesola noted that Shagari’s demise closed the chapter of the vibrant and colourful presidential gladiators of the Second Republic democratic experience.

    Sambo urged Nigerians to emulate the worthy legacies and principles of the deceased, whom he described as a father.

    Praying for the deceased, Sambo urged other Nigerians to emulate Shagari.

    Also, el-Rufa’i described the late former president as a symbol of respect and humility.

    “We heard a lot about him in our youthful days as students in Barewa College, Zaria on his good leadership virtues,” he said.

    Welcoming them, Shagari’s son expressed gratitude to Allah for the remarks on his late father, whom he described as an uncommon symbol of good relations across the country.

    To Shettima, the late Shagari was a shining example for his unequalled democratic legacies as a unifying factor for Nigeria’s prosperity.

    According to him, “he would be remembered for his humility, selfless service and good governance as a true democrat.”

    More sympathisers also visited and registered their condolences to the family.

  • Presidency: Igbo should be given chance – Obasanjo

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to give the Igbo a chance in the executive arm of government at the centre.

    The former president spoke at a stakeholders meeting at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State residence of the First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazuluke Amechi.

    Obasanjo asked the Igbo to support Mr. Peter Obi, the PDP presidential running mate with a view to giving the Southeast their much desired foothold in government.

    He described Obi as a “bundle of integrity” who has what it takes to help in rebuilding the economy.

    In his address of welcome, Mbazuluke Amechi described Obi as good man and his principal Atiku Abibakar as what  the country needed at a time like this.

    The meeting was attended by Obi, former Minister of Power, Chief Barth Nnaji; former Minister of Health, ABC Nwosu;  former Imo governor,  Ikedi Ohakim;  member of National Assembly, Chris Azubogu and Chief Innocent Chukwuma,  Chairman/CEO Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

  • No meeting point between Amosun and I on successor, says Obasanjo

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Ibikunle Amosun are not best of friends on who  becomes the next governor in the Gateway State.

    Chief Obasanjo said his choice and that of the governor did not align on the choice of the next governor as from May 2019, next year.

    The former president and the governor are, however, in agreement that power should shift to Ogun West Senatorial District.

    The zone has not produced a governor since it was created more than 42 years ago.

    Obasanjo is rooting for the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka from Imeko. Amosun of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is pushing for House of Representatives member Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) from Ipokia.

    Both communities are in the Ogun West district.

    Speaking at this year’s edition of the Ibogun-Olaogun Day in Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area, where Amosun was also in attendance, Obasanjo said that “regardless of what could be individual’s or collective interest in the 2019 governorship  election in the state, it is the will of God that would count most in the choice of who eventually becomes the governor.”

    He advised the people to support whoever emerges governor at the end of the race even as he cautioned politicians against foisting violence on the state, saying “there is no reason for Ogun not to have a peaceful election.”

    Demanding an embrace and exchange of pleasantries between the ADC and APM candidates in the pubic glare, Obasanjo warned the duo against promoting acts of violence, adding “if they do not stop violence among their supporters, they would have themselves to blame.”

    He described Amosun as his brother who would remain dear to his heart till he dies, but said on the issue of the present political journey in the state, their choices may not and do not align.

    Obasanjo said: “I have made my choice, it may not be in tandem with yours (Amosun). Let my choice be and let yours be and let God decide and whoever gets there let all of us support him.

    “I am particularly happy that the Governor spoke against violence. I want to tell you, if you do not stop violence among your supporters, you will have yourself to blame. There is no earthly reason why we should not have peaceful election in the state,”

    Governor Amosun cautioned politicians against heating up the polity, urging them to conduct themselves responsibly.

    Lauding the former president for consistently identifying with his root, Amosun said it should serve as a lesson for all to, always identify with their roots.

    He pledged to attend the annual Ibogun Day always even after leaving the office.

    The chairmen and governorship candidates of 10 political parties in the state have dissociated themselves from the purported adoption of the APM and its governorship candidate as their consensus party and candidate.

    They dissociated themselves from the adoption by the Arabambi Abayomi-led Executive Committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

    Addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the state capital, the governorship candidate of Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP), Olusegun Olufemi, dismissed the adoption as “fraudulent, fake and embarrassment to the good people of Ogun State.”

    Olufemi, who for the others, said the purported adoption of APM and its candidate by Arabambi and the IPAC  executive committee members shall not stand because it was done without carrying along other political parties and candidates who are contestants in the forthcoming general elections in the state.

    He added that they have been elected to brief the press on the matter and to debunk the purported adoption, lest the unsuspecting members of the public, particularly the electorate, get ensnared in a web of deceptive and self-serving adoption by Arabambi and co.

    The BNPP candidate said they have written IPAC’s national body, led by Peter Ameh, detailing Arabambi’s alleged infractions of the code of engagement in IPAC  and demanding action should be taken to call him to order.

    He said: “Precisely, the executive of IPAC recently released a press statement that about 60 political parties have chosen a particular candidate as the consensus candidate for 2019 governorship election in Ogun State.

    “We use this opportunity to inform (the people of Ogun state) that we reject in totality the adoption of any governorship candidate. We urge the members of the public to disregard the purported adoption of any political party or candidate.”

    At yesterday’s conference were: Biola Lawal of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP); BNPP governorship candidate Olufemi; governorship candidate of the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) Emmanuel Taiwo and legal adviser of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) Kehinde Ogunbiyi, among others.

  • I differ with Amosun on Ogun’s next governor- Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday said he and Governor Ibikunle Amosun differ regarding who becomes the next governor of Ogun State comes May 2019.

    Although Obasanjo and Amosun are in agreement that power should shift to Ogun West Senatorial district which is yet to produce a governor for the state since its creation over 42 years ago, they are supporting different candidates.

    While the former President is rooting for the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI) from Imeko in Ogun West to emerge the next Governor, Amosun is strenuously pushing for his anointed man, Hon. Abdulkabir Afekunle Akinlade, of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) from Ipokia in same Ogun West to succeed him.

    Speaking at this year edition of Ibogun – Olaogun Day celebration in Ibogun, Ifo Local Government Area of the state, where Amosun was also in attendance, Obasanjo however said regardless of what could be individual’s or collective interest in the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state, it is the will of God that would count most in the choice of who eventually becomes the Governor.

    The elder statesman advised the people to support whoever emerges governor at the end of the race even as he cautioned politicians against foisting violence on the state.

    He said there is no reason for the state not to have a peaceful election.

    The Ebora Owu who demanded an open embrace and exchange of pleasantries between Prince Isiaka and Akinlade, warned  the duo against act of violence, saying if they do not stop violence among their supporters, they would have themselves to blame.

    He described Amosun as his brother who would remain dear to him his heart till he dies, but said on the issue of the present political journey in the state, their choices may not and do not align.

    “I have made my choice; it may not be in tandem with yours (Amosun). Let my choice be and let yours be and let God decide and whoever gets there let all of us support him.

    “I am particularly happy that the Governor spoke against violence. I want to tell you, if you do not stop violence among your supporters, you will have yourself to blame. There is no earthly reason why we should not have peaceful election in the state,” Obasanjo said.

    Speaking earlier, Governor Ibikunle Amosun cautioned politicians against heating  up the polity and  them to conduct themselves responsibly.

    Amosun who lauded Obasanjo for consistently identifying with his root, said it should serve as a lesson for all to always identify with their roots.

  • We should blame ourselves, if peace eludes Nigeria, says Obasanjo

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to keep working for peace as the 2019 general elections draw closer.

    He warned that Nigerians, and not God, should accept responsibility, if peace eludes the country.

    The elder statesman gave the advice on Sunday evening during the 2018 Christmas Carol  and Service of Six Lessons organised by the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King (CCKG) situated inside the sprawling Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, the State capital.

    He expressed the hope that 2019 “will indeed be a year of blessings for all and sundry in the country”.

    “National peace is very important in view of the growing insecurity in the country,” said a statement by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant (Media) Kehinde Akinyemi.

    The ex-president, who expressed delight at the service, however, said the present situation in the country was not good enough.

    “The situation is getting worrisome by the day. I was in Kaduna and I thought that the story would be different. The people there said insecurity, kidnapping and killings are happening.

    “If peace eludes us, it is not an act of God, but our making. That is why I am happy that our Bishop in his sermon also talked about peace. This is the appropriate time to talk about peace; this is the season of peace.

    “It will be a year of blessings for each one, and particularly for Nigeria. When people come to me and say they are giving up on the country, I tell them no and that next year is a year of blessings for all.

    “With right statements and right actions, people will be trooping back into the country. We had it before; there is no reason not to have it again,” Obasanjo said.

    Archbishop of Ogun Province, the African Church, Abeokuta  Most Revd. S.O.B. Ojumu urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of peace during the festive period and as the general elections draw closer.

    He called on the nation’s  politicians to make peace their cornerstone while seeking political offices.

    According to him, politicians should ensure that they do away with self-interest on getting to office.

    Ojumu lauded Obasanjo for his role in peace-building globally.

    “He has contributed immensely for peace in Africa and the world,” the cleric said.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga,  reads the Sixth Lesson, taken from Acts 10:38 and John 4:10-14.

    In attendance also was the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, members of Owu Traditional Council and the campaign train of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

  • We should blame ourselves, not God for elusive peace

    Nigerians should blame themselves and not God if the country does not witness peace during the 2019 general elections, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated.

    Obasanjo warned that Nigerians, and not God, should accept responsibility if peace eludes the country.

    The elder statesman gave the advice on Sunday evening during the 2018 Christmas Carol and Service of Six Lessons by the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King (CCKG) inside the sprawling Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, the state capital.

    He said: “If peace eludes us, it is not an act of God, but, our making. That is why I am happy that our Bishop in his sermon also talked about peace. This is the appropriate time to talk about peace, this is the season of peace.

    “It will be a year of blessings for each one, and particularly for Nigeria.

    “When people come to me and say they are giving up on the country, I tell them no, that next year is year of blessings for all.

    “With right statements, right actions, people will be trooping back into the country. We had it before, there is no reason not to have it again,” Obasanjo said.

    “National peace is very important in view of the growing insecurity in the country,” Obasanjo stated in a release by his Special Assistant (Media), Kehinde Akinyemi.

    The ex – President who expressed delight at the service, however, said the current situation in the country was not good enough.

    “The situation is getting worrisome by the day. I was in Kaduna and I thought that the story would be different. The people there said insecurity, kidnapping and killings are happening.

    Archbishop of Ogun Province, the African Church, Abeokuta,  Most Revd. S.O.B Ojumu urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of peace during this festive period and as the general elections draw closer.

    He also called on politicians to make sacrifice their cornerstone while seeking political office.

    According to him, politicians should ensure that they do away with self- interest on getting to office.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, read the Sixth Lesson, taken from Acts 10:38 and John 4:10-14.

    In attendance also was the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Adeoluwa, the Owu traditional council and the campaign train of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

     

  • How Nigeria can access Africa’s $12tr, by Obasanjo

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has listed what Nigeria should do to have access to $12 trillion “dormant funds”.

    He said the Federal Government must endorse the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AFCFTA) to tap into the funds earmarked for Africa’s development.

    The former President spoke yesterday at a programme, tagged: “Conversation with Olusegun Obasanjo” and moderated by former British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) broadcaster Mark Eddo at the Al Manara Conference Center, in Cairo, Egypt.

    According to him, out of the $14 trillion that has been announced, only $2 trillion has been put to use, pointing out that $12 trillion “is sitting idle” waiting to be accessed.

    Insisiting that Nigeria has no choice than to endorse the AfCFTA, the former President said: “The money is there; it is about how Africa can access that money. The amount of money needed is sitting somewhere dormant; it’s about $12 trillion. The money is dormant and it can only go to where it is needed. I was told that $14 trillion has been printed, about $2 trillion is generating interest and about $12 trillion is sitting idle.”

    Obasanjo was responding to a statement that Egyptian President Al’ Sisi said that lack of funds was hindering Africa’s advancement.

    He said: “You can imagine Africa getting $1trillion of that money every year. If our leaders can get that money routed to Africa, it will be quite useful and Africa will benefit from it.”

    The former President praised the efforts of those who packaged the Intra-African Trade Fair, saying the success it has garnered should be shared by all, and not himself alone.

    “The credit must not be given to me only. All the members, and particularly to former President Ekra, Professor Benedict Oramah and Afreximbank,” he said, adding that the lessons learnt will be useful in planning for the next fair.

    Obasanjo said he took time to visit the exhibition stands, observing that Nigeria had a huge presence in the fair.

    He said: “This is a one stop shop window for Africans to know what Africa has. Here you’ll not only see, you will feel, hear and even eat.

    “I believe that we have started, we have put our hands in the plough and we will not go back, so we can say IATF is getting better and better. The issue of finance is not what worries me.”

    Obasanjo expressed sadness that Nigeria was foot-dragging on the endorsement of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement IAfCFTA), wondering how Africa can’s economy can grow when countries like Nigeria were absent, pointing out that with, or without Nigeria, Africa will move on.

    “It is a great pity for Nigeria and Africa that at the time Nigeria should be at the table, Nigeria is not there at AfCTFA, especially with the final negotiation which was led by Nigeria. At the point of signing, Nigeria developed cold feet. I just have to say, better late than never,” Obasanjo said.

    He described as unfortunate that was yet to bad to endorse the treaty, pointing out, however, that “whether Nigeria is there or not, Africa will go on.”

    He said he went through the pavilion, saying “Nigeria’s delegation was great,” wondering, “how can you be talking of African trade when you’re not there?

    “You cannot absent yourself when the rest of Africa was there,” he stated.

    Obasanjo, however, expressed optimism that whatever may have gone wrong, Nigeria would return and join itself with the rest of Africa.

    “So what has gone wrong? I think understanding. I think the correct understanding will come. In all honesty, Nigeria will soon join this group,” Obasanjo said, stressing, “we have no choice.”

  • Of Obasanjo and a wind-operated mind

    Ours is a world of endless possibilities. The story is told of the Atlantis, a legendary city that was said to have sunk into the sea in one day thousands of years ago. Its inhabitants were said to be so sophisticated that they developed a mind-operated computer.

    The myth or reality of Atlantis, however, remains a matter of conjecture. Claims of its existence are traceable only to Timaeus and Critias, two books authored by the renowned Greek philosopher, Plato, around 360 BC. Plato claimed in the said books that the Atlantis story was told to the Greek sage Solon by a priest in Egypt. Solon, on returning to Greece, shared the story with a relation named Dropides. Dropides passed it down to his son Critias, who told it to his grandson also named Critias, who finally shared it with another Greek philosopher, Socrates, and some other people who were with him.

    In the circumstance, therefore, the truth about the Atlantis remains far-fetched. But not so far-fetched is a similar story told during the week by Mallam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, about former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s thoughts being determined by the direction of the wind, just like the candlelight. Speaking with reporters in Abuja a day after Obasanjo made a U-turn over his initial claim to being neutral in the campaign for the 2019 presidential election, Shehu said the Presidency had learnt not to take Obasanjo’s views seriously any longer, knowing that the slightest wind could make him change his mind on any issue.

    “Former President Obasanjo denounces one person today and supports that same person the next day,” he said. “When it pleases him, he brings God into the matter and uses that as his excuse for whatever position he has chosen. We have learnt not to take his utterances seriously anymore. We know that the slightest wind can make him change his mind again. After all, this is the same man who publicly tore his party registration card barely four years ago, and he now claims to be backing the same party.”

    While Shehu’s claims may sound outlandish, they seem eminently justified by the astonishing rapidity with which the former president has been changing his mind on issues of grave national concern in recent times. After telling the gathering at the 27th annual Owu National Convention in Iwo, Osun State last Saturday that he would not campaign for any particular candidate, Obasanjo was back in the news less than 24 hours later, kicking and cursing over media reports of his decision to remain neutral during the elections.

    Obasanjo had told the gathering in Iwo: “Another election is near, open your eyes and vote wisely. Vote only the party that won’t add to your suffering. The economy must return to a better state. Look at parties that have governed this country and choose that one that will return Nigeria’s economy to a better state. I am not campaigning for any party or candidate and I won’t do that. But I urge you to open your eyes and vote wisely. Only credible leadership can guarantee good governance and that is what the country needs now.”

    But the reports had barely hit the newsstands when Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, issued a statement denying his principal’s neutrality in the elections. “Only a fool will sit on the fence or be neutral when his or her country is being destroyed with incompetence, corruption, lack of focus, insecurity, nepotism, brazen impunity and denial of the obvious. Chief Obasanjo is no such fool nor is he so unwise,” the statement said, adding: “It is disingenuous, if not malicious, for anyone to suggest that Chief Obasanjo was being neutral when he chose not to use the Owu convention as a platform for political campaign but instead adopted a communal and familial approach in talking to members of his Owu family.”

    The Iwo incident is one in the long list of the Obasanjo’s actions upon which he now comes across as a chameleon. The Obasanjo who made a public show of tearing his PDP membership card in the build-up to the 2015 elections, saying that the party was determined to destroy the country with corruption, is now the one at the vanguard of the campaign for the party’s victory in the 2019 elections. The man who had seized every available opportunity to warn Nigerians not to allow his former deputy and PDP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar access to any point in the radius of a kilometre to the Aso Rock presidential villa because he is incurably corrupt and incompetent, is also the one now rooting desperately for Atiku’s victory at the poll.

    More alarming is the fact that Obasanjo had previously taken his rejection of the PDP presidential candidate to celestial heights, saying that God would not forgive him if he forgave Atiku for his sins against the country. Based on the foregoing, Shehu would seem to have enough grounds for saying that the Presidency is not moved by Obasanjo’s outbursts on the 2019 elections, particularly with the realisation that the feeble nature of the former president’s mind can yet work in favour of Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) now that the harmattan winds are here.