I am not a member of any political party. I am a “no-party statesman.” – Obasanjo
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has made a shocking revelation by describing himself as a member of no political party, insisting that he is “a no-party statesman.”
Amidst ongoing economic downturn and hardship faced by Nigerians, the two-term civilian president said he could only see hope and optimism.
Obasanjo in Abuja, while in attendance of thanksgiving service at Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Wuse, Zone 3, made this declaration.
The thanksgiving service was held to celebrate the 80th birthday of renounced journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.
The former Military Head of States appraised the former NDDC boss for loyalty and support he offered him during 1999 election campaigns against Chief Alex Ekwueme, who also vied for the same post within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obasanjo also ceased the medium to encourage Ugochukuwu in his journey of faith in the LORD and unwavering commitment to humanity for the rest of his remains days on earth.
He said: “But remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13. Your faith must not diminish. You must never lose hope. Even when things are as gloomy as they are in Nigeria today, we must remain optimistic and hopeful.
I Am Not A Member Of Any Political Party – Obasanjo.
“And finally, you must live and continue to live a life of love. Love for your family.
“Love for friends and foes. Love for your community. Love for your state. Love for your country. Love for humanity. And love for God.
“When we came together, it was during the campaign. I’ve known a little bit about you by your reputation. We were two candidates competing in PDP – myself and Alex Ekweme.
“And right from the word go, you decided who you would be with. Some Yoruba elements in our campaign saw you as a spy. The Igbo elements on the other side saw you as a bastard.
“Why should you be with a Yoruba man when an Igbo man is contesting? And you stood your ground. You were unshaken and unshakable.
“You remained totally loyal. And I appreciate it. And you remain with me. Not 99.9% loyal, but 100% loyal. Throughout my tenure. I will be eternally grateful to you.
“When you went in, as the bishop said, to contest the election, and they overturned the election, you didn’t take revenge on anybody. You were not bitter. You didn’t even move out of the party. You remained.
“Some people would have moved out of their party. And you know some who are in our party, close to us, who did that.
Obasanjo’s speech: encouraging the Celebrants
“Over the years, whether I am in or out, whether people are abusing me or oppressing me, I know your stand. I know I can count on you.
Not only as my supporter, but for the party that we all built together.
“Even though now I’m a no-party statesman. I want to emphasise what the bishop said. At 80, what more do you want? Do you need it?
“All I will say is that you need to continue to serve humanity and serve God. And there’s no end to that. And the bishop said you should enjoy yourself. I will concur with that.
I Am Not A Member Of Any Political Party – Obasanjo.
“But don’t over-enjoy yourself. Because one can overdo it. Once again, happy birthday, many happy returns. You will celebrate 90. And I will be there. You will celebrate 100. I will not be there. But wherever I am.”
The former vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was also in attendance.
He also commended for celebrant, Onyema Ugochukwu, on his supports and patriotism towards nation building.
Atiku pointed that Onyema remained neutral when he had issues with his principal and former president Olusegun Obasanjo during their presidency days, noting that Onyema would only be a pacifist.
In his statements, Atiku said: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I will not claim that I know Ogochukwu long enough because we only met during our administration around 1998-99. And till now, we have been in contact with each other.
“But I want to say that during our administration, even when the President and I were having problems, Ogochukwu never took sides.
Rather, he tried to be a conciliator and I want to say that all along I found him to be an extremely dedicated, passionate Nigerian.
“Let me also testify that in all those years that we worked together, I never heard of any unwarranted action by Onyema Ogochukwu.
“He was still a credible and perfect gentleman. Mrs. Ogochukwu, I think you are very lucky to have him.
I Am Not A Member Of Any Political Party – Obasanjo.
“Honestly, I want to say that this is one of the very rare events I have put on a public face to identify myself, but I feel extremely delighted to have been part of this event.
I also look forward to getting to your age.
“So, once again congratulations Onyema Ogochukwu and family and the entire people of Abia State and Nigeria in general.”
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, the celebrant, also remarked with emotions stating that he had six siblings but five are dead, noting the he was only left his a sister.
He then thanked GOD for the long live in sound health he is enjoying.
According to his statements, Onyema said he was the first amongst his siblings to reach the age of seventy and as now, he acknowledged GOD’s goodness and faithfulness in his life.
He vowed never to deny GOD of his worship, and service to humanity by continuing to offer assistance to people in need, at any time.
In his speech, “In 2014, I lost my two younger brothers, my father, and then my uncle. So there was no urge to celebrate. There were seven.
My eldest brother, let him be known, was the best of us all. But he died at 64.
“I grew up in a happy family, and all that. But then when the war came. I joined the army. I had bullet wounds, both in my hand and my leg. But God didn’t want to take me away.
“In retrospect, I thought that those bullet wounds were to take me off that front, because I probably would not have been alive if they had remained there subsequently.
I Am Not A Member Of Any Political Party – Obasanjo.
“In 2007, I lost the election which I won, actually. I then went to court. And I was in court for three years.
“But in my own case, my friends stayed with me. So much so, that even those who were fighting us said they would like to join our group. How do we do it? And they have stayed together these many years. They are mostly the people helping to organize this.
“I am grateful to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the impact he made in my life. When I met him, it was General Liu that introduced us.”
Thanksgiving Message
Initially into the sermon, Rt. Rev. J. O. K. Adeyemi, the officiating Bishop of Nyanya Diocese, encouraged the celebrant to remain active in serving GOD and humanity.
He implored the former NDDC chairman to focus on his heavenly race and be committed to leading a good life worthy of emulation and eulogy.
Two books published in honor of Onyema Ugochukwu to grace the occasion were later launched by dignitaries from all walks of life at the occasion.
One of which was titled: Galvanising Development in the Niger Delta: Selected engagements by Onyema Ugochukwu.”
While the other volume is on tribute, titled: Testaments and Testimonials: Celebrating Onyema Ugochukwu as 80.”
The forwards to the publications were written by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and co-editted by John Araka, a former Editor of Daily Times, and Tunde Olusunle, a well-known and respected author and protégé of Ugochukwu.
I Am Not A Member Of Any Political Party – Obasanjo.
