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Tag: Obasanjo

  • Nothing will make Nigeria collapse, says Obasanjo

    nothing can make Nigeria collapse, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said at the weekend.

    According to him, if the country could go through a civil war and a ruthless military dictatorship, it cannot collapse under any other situation.

    Online newspaper Premium Times quoted the former President as speakingfrom Azerbaijan where he was attending a meeting of the Inter Action Council of Former Heads of State and Government.

    He was responding to reports quoting him as saying Nigeria would collapse should President Muhammadu Buhari be reelected.

    The reports claimed that the former president made the comment in a speech at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University, on Friday.

    But Mr. Obasanjo denied making the comment, saying he had not visited London since January.

    “I won’t and can’t say that (that Nigeria will collapse if Buhari is reelected),” the former president said. “There will be nothing that will make Nigeria collapse. When Nigeria did not collapse under a civil war, it won’t collapse now.

    “My faith and conviction about Nigeria is so strong that I don’t see the country either being dismembered or collapsing.

    “The worst has passed on Nigeria. Once we were able to survive the civil war, once we are able to survive (Sani) Abacha, nothing can be worst than those two. And our democracy is waxing strong. Although there are a few things we need to get right.

    “As far I am concerned, the worst is over. What remains is for all of us and for our leadership to show good faith and commitment to do what is right. Then Nigeria will grow from strength to strength.”

    “I regard those as aberrations and they will pass away,” the former President said. “Such aberrations will pass away with the regime that bring them.

    “Don’t forget that Abacha did more than that. Of course Abacha’s regime was not a democracy, it was a military dictatorship. If we survived that, then we will survive any shenanigan against democracy. That’s the greatest advantage of democracy.”

     

  • Kalu to Buhari: Arrest Obasanjo over $16b electricity scam

    Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Tuesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to arrest former President Obasanjo Obasanjo over the $16 billion electricity scam.

    He said although President Buhari has the guts to fight corruption, he must prove to Nigerians that he is truly fighting corruption by arresting Obasanjo.

    Kalu, who boasted to be a wealth creator, said he is stronger than President Buhari at fighting corruption and would return Nigeria’s money to the people if he was in the position to do so.

    The former governor spoke at a public lecture titled: “Culture, Economy and Good governance: The Nigerian Experience,” organised by the Nigerian Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

    He condemned state governors for not being creators of wealth but instead rush to Abuja every month to share oil money without knowing what it takes to make money.

    He said: “I call on every aspect of our society for people to invest more on our cultural relationship with others, culture can be a lot, when you go to Calabar to Badagry towards the Atlantic Ocean. We don’t need to do any other job, we don’t even need crude oil, I can develop this economy without crude oil, crude oil is secondary.

    “With our population and intellectual capacity crude oil is a curse to the country, that is the truth. Because it is keeping us backwards, we can make money from things.”

     

  • How to end herdsmen, farmers clashes, by Obasanjo

    How to end herdsmen, farmers clashes, by Obasanjo

    •Visits graveyard of victims of attacks in Benue

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday visited the graves of the 73 victims of the January herdsmen attacks in Benue State with a  call on leaders to work together to tackle the incessant violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

    Obasanjo laid a wreath at the grave site.

    He said the continued violence and insurgency required collaboration and collective urgent attention, stressing that tackling security challenges must begin from the roots to secure permanently solution.

    According to him, until the issue is addressed from the roots more and more people will be buried as victims.

    “If the issue is tackled right from the root there will be no room for assumptions. We must collectively find solutions,” he said.

    Obasanjo said that he laid the wreath to sufficiently express his sorrow, empathy and sympathy to the families that lost their loved ones, the governor and people of the state and Nigerians.

    He disclosed that he had attended the Zero Hunger meeting which Gov. Samuel Ortom could not attend because of the incessant attacks on his subjects by herdsmen.

    The former president said that he was shocked to hear that after the mass burial of 73 persons, 83 more persons were killed.

    He said there can be no  investment and development in a chaotic atmosphere because investors would be unwilling to invest in such places.

    He emphatically sued for peace among the people.

    Obasanjo called for an end to the incessant attacks on farmers by the herdsmen, while appealing the governor not to give up because “there would surely be light at the end of the tunnel.”

    The former president flew into  Makurdi from Maiduguri.

    He was received at the Makurdi airport by Governor Samuel Ortom and other top government officials.

  • How to end farmers/herdsmen clashes – Obasanjo

    How to end farmers/herdsmen clashes – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday urged leaders to work closely together to tackle the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

    Obasanjo made the call on Saturday when he laid wreath at the grave site of 73 victims of herdsmen attack in Makurdi, Benue State.

    He said the continued violence and insurgency required collaboration and collective urgent attention, stressing that tackling security challenges must begin from the roots to secure permanent solution.

    He said until the problem is addressed from the roots more and more people would  be buried as victims.

    ”If the issue is tackled right from the roots there would be no room for assumptions. We must collectively find solutions,” the ex-President said.

    Obasanjo said he laid the wreath to sufficiently express his sorrow, empathy and sympathy to the families of the victims, the governor and people of the state and Nigerians.

    He said he had attended the Zero Hunger meeting which the state governor, Samuel Ortom, could not attend because of incessant attacks on his subjects by herdsmen.

    The former President said he was shocked to hear that after the mass burial of 73 persons, 83 more persons were killed in the state.

    NAN

     

  • Ogun Accord visits Obasanjo on his 81st birthday

    Ogun Accord visits Obasanjo on his 81st birthday

    The leadership of Accord in Ogun State have congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 81st birthday.

    The party’s leadership also visited the former President in his Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, home with their congratulatory message.

    The entourage was led by the party’s Southwest Leader, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

    Other party chieftains on the entourage included Ogun State Chairman Isiaka Amusa, the State Secretary Saula Adegunwa, Publicity Secretary Asojuoba Michael Adesanya, Organising Secretary Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro, Woman Leader Bisi Adelagun-Agoro as well as Nathaniel Sodipo, Omooba Segun Adewale, Oye Odonguwa, Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman Kehinde Oladeinde, Ogun East Senatorial Chairman Doyin Fakoya, Ogun West Senatorial Chairman Ola and State Treasurer Abel Olaleye.

    The party’s leadership presented a birthday card to the celebrant on behalf of its state chapter.

    Dignitaries at the presentation included former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja.

  • Obasanjo rues death of his parents

    Obasanjo rues death of his parents

    •Ex-president marks 81st birthday 

    Former President Olusegun yesterday marked a relatively low key birthday, saying his greatest source of sadness was the death of his parents.

    Obasanjo, who turned 81 yesterday, said it was always a thing of regret and pain for him that his mother and father did not live long enough to witness his achievements in life and profit from them.

    The ex-president, who spoke during the celebration at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, however, added that if the saying is true that the dead always watch over the living, his late parents would not only watch over him but also  show act of gratitude to those who helped him.

    The occasion was chaired by former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to United Kingdom Christopher Kolade. Those who attended include Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Kola Bajomo, former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja and former Minister and Secretary to the Ogun State Government Tunji Ishola and others.

    Obasanjo said he would continue to thank God for all that he had achieved, including the building of the Presidential Library for posterity.

    The former president said God has been kind to Nigeria. According to him, Nigerians and not God should take the blame for why things were not working well as they ought to.

    He said: “One of the things that I always missed or remember with some feeling of sadness is that my parents left this world too early and the sacrifices they made for me. How I wish they have been around to see the fruit of their labour; that is not to be.

    “But if, as Yoruba belief that those who are dead are still able to see who are here alive, if my parents, where they are, are able to see those of us who are here, they will also be grateful to those who have worked with me to enable me to achieve what I have achieved. If they’ve been alive, they would have been proud of those achievements.

    “For me, this day, I have nothing but to continue to thank God, appreciate Him and praise Him and worship Him and adore Him for all that he had done for me personally, for members of my family, for my extended family, friends, peers and for those who have worked with me.”

    The ex-president added: “Where people talk about my achievements, not mentioning or remembering that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve anything all by myself alone, I belief it could amount to a serious omission because many of those who worked with me worked loyally, worked with  commitment and some of them are still doing so up till today.”

    Obasanjo added that he did not believe God created a bad situation for Nigeria, any particular state and any part of Africa.

    “When things are not going on right, we must blame ourselves and these are issues of leadership, governance, development and values.

    “And these are things we must take seriously and make sure we get them right,” Obasanjo said.

    Amosun lauded Obasanjo at 81, describing him as a true nationalist, whose love for the country can’t be controverted.

    “Love him or hate him, there’s something nobody can take away from him. He’s a true nationalist; Baba loves Nigeria and I know that there’s absolutely nothing he wouldn’t want to do for Nigeria.

    “Even beyond the sores of Nigeria, if you start counting, Baba would be one of the best three giant of Africa, many of whom are no longer with us.

    “There’s no way history of our nation Nigeria and the continent of Africa would be written without the prominent mention of Baba.

    “When they were praying for Baba, they said 120 and I said 100 is okay. But Baba, when you live to that age, don’t write letters ooo, don’t write ooo, because Baba would continue writing when he lives till 120, please don’t write ooo.  That is Baba for you.

    “Please reduce your activities; you’re not getting young anymore. Baba please slow down, you’re not getting younger anymore.”

     

  • Okowa greets Obasanjo at 81

    Okowa greets Obasanjo at 81

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 81st birthday. He described him as “a true nationalist”.

    Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, eulogised the octogenarian for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country, calling him an “outstanding patriot, a committed leader and a man of courage, whose contributions towards the development, stability and growth of the country is legendary”.

    The statement reads: “On the occasion of your 81st birthday, I write to rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta State.

    “In the last 81 years of a life of outstanding accomplishments and great personal fulfilment, you have served our country at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, and also ensured peace and unity when you fought to keep Nigeria one.

    “Till date, you have continued to give yourself in the service of our fatherland through your nationalistic ideals.

    “I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank God for your life, and pray that He continues to bless you with robust health and imbue you with His continued guidance, protection, and enduring provision.”

  • My innermost pain at 81 by Obasanjo

    My innermost pain at 81 by Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun on Monday marked a relatively low key birthday, saying his greatest source of sadness each time he cast his back, was the death of his parents.
    Obasanjo who turned 81 March 5 said it is always a thing of regret and pain that his mother and father did not live long enough to witness his achievements in life and profit from them.
    Ebora Owu who spoke while giving his remarks during the celebration at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, however added that if the saying is true that the dead always watch over the living, his late parents would not only watch over him but also in a way, show act of gratitude to those who helped to become who he is today.
    The occasion was chaired by Pa Christopher Kolade with Governor Ibikunle Amosun,  Senator Kola Bajomo, former Deputy Governor in Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, former Minister and Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tunji Ishola among others in attendance.
    Obasanjo however said he would continued to thank God for all that he had achieved including the building of the Presidential Library for posterity, adding that God has been kind to Nigeria.
    According to the ex – President, it is Nigerians, particularly leadership failure, and not God, who should take the blame for why things are not working well as they ought to.
     “One of the things that I always missed or remember with some feeling of sadness is that my parents left this world too early and that the sacrifices they have made for me, how I wish they have been around to see the fruit of their labour, that is not to be.
     “But if, as Yoruba belief that those who are dead are still able to see who are here alive, if my parents, where they are,  are able to see those of us who are here, they will also be grateful to those who have worked with me to enable me to achieve what, if they’ve been alive, they would have been proud of those achievements.
     “For me, this day, I have nothing but to continue to thank God, appreciate  Him, and praise Him and worship Him and adore Him for all that he had done for me personally,  for members of my family,  for my extended family,  friends, peers and for those who has worked with me.
     “Where people talk about my achievement, not mentioning or remembering that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve anything all by my self alone, I belief it could amount to a various serious omission because many of those who worked with me worked loyalty, worked with  commitment and some of them are still doing so up till today.
     “If I had known what this is involved, I wouldn’t have torched it with the longest stick in the world. Of course you all keep saying you thanked God that I did not know because I would have deprived posterity what we are now having here.
    “But if not that you’re able to lift up my hand when I was getting tired, those who said, when we started, that it’s a job that will never be completed, they would have been proved right but for your help.
     “I do not believe God has created a bad situation for Nigeria, No, or for any particular station of this country, no, or for any part of Africa, no. When things are not going on right, we must blame ourselves and these are issues of leadership, governance, development and values.
    “And these are things we must take seriously and make sure we get them right,” Obasanjo said.
     In his remarks, Amosun lauded Obasanjo at 81, describing him as a true nationalist, whose love for the country can’t be controverted.
    “Love him or hate him, there’s something nobody can take away from him, he’s a true nationalist, Baba loves Nigeria and I know that there’s absolutely nothing he wouldn’t want to do for Nigeria.
     “Even beyond the shores of Nigeria, if you start counting, Baba would be one of the best three giant of Africa, many of whom are now longer with us.
     “There’s no way history of our nation Nigeria and the continent of Africa would be written without the prominent mention of Baba.
     “When they were praying for Baba, they said 120 and I said 100 is OK but Baba, when you live to that age, don’t write letters ooo don’t write ooo, because Baba would continue writing when he lives till 120, please don’t write poop,  that is Baba for you.
     “Please reduce your activities, you’re not getting young anymore, Baba please slow down, you’re not getting younger anymore, we are not saying Baba should be indoors because he would die, but while you’re doing something, please slow down because we still want to have you around for many years,” Amosun
  • Obasanjo inspired good governance in Africa – APC

    Obasanjo inspired good governance in Africa – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) said on Monday former President Olusegun Obasanjo inspired good governance in Africa and has emerged as a bastion of democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria and beyond.

    In a birthday message to the former President and signed by the party National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the APC described Obasanjo as a true Nigerian patriot and statesman who over the years has built solid bridges across political divides in the country, African and the world at large.

    The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) celebrates H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President and military Head of State, Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion of his 81st birthday.

    “Our party joins family, friends, well-wishers and associates in celebrating the retired general who has emerged as a bastion of democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria and beyond.

    “Chief Obasanjo has inspired a generation of Nigerians notably in the area of entrepreneurship, leadership and education, especially through his non-profit initiatives, the Africa Leadership Forum (ALF) and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

    “His legacy as President has continued to inspire good governance on the continent even after so many years and he remains an influential voice in different facets of our national life. As a true Nigerian patriot and statesman, Chief Obasanjo has over the years built solid bridges across political divides in the country, on the African continent and the world at large.

    “Our prayer is that Chief Obasanjo continues to age in health and wisdom as he contributes to the unending task of nation building.”

     

  • Amosun, Dickson greet Obasanjo at 81

    Amosun, Dickson greet Obasanjo at 81

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Seriake Dickson, have congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 81st birthday.

    The Ogun governor described Obasanjo as a quintessential leader.

    In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, the governor said the former Head of State, ex-President and statesman had demonstrated an exceptional passion for the socio-economic development of the country and the wellbeing of Nigerians.

    Amosun added: “His service to the nation can be summarised as that of total sacrifice and exceeding zeal to ensure that Nigeria is great. Even incarceration did not douse his vision.”

    In a statement in Yenagoa, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, the Bayelsa governor prayed God to grant the elder statesman long life and good health so that “we can continue to tap from his fountain of knowledge and experience”.