Obasanjo: I Prefer Being A Nigerian. I do not support “secessionism”
Chief Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday, reiterated his desire to maintain being a Nigerian rather than belonging to any seceded region.
Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria who ruled as a Military Head of States and a two-term civilian President has stated this amid ongoing agitation in the southern Nigeria for secession.
The former Military Head of States, who hails from Southwest region of Nigeria, has seen his own ethnic group calling for the creation of Oodua Republic.
This declaration was made, on Tuesday, during the visit of a delegation of the League of Northern Democrats steered by former governor of Kano State Malam Ibrahim Shekarau at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Obasanjo pinpointed “regionalism” Nigeria practised before the attainment of independence in 1960 as the major cause of lingering disintegration among Nigerian.
He cited merit, capacity and ability to deliver as major factors that Nigeria must consider before electing, choosing and appointing leaders into various levels of government against consideration placed on geopolitical consideration of leaders.
In his statement: “It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats, because where you come from should not be a problem.
“Where I was born should not be the enemy of my being a Nigerian. It will be great to be a Nigerian than to be a member of the Republic of Oodua.
“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba, but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba. We must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together. Obasanjo: I Prefer Being A Nigerian
“The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up to us. When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun but is that the situation today?
“We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa and the world at large.
“So, our concern is right, we have rubbished the value of integrity, no truth, no love but it is not too late to retrace our steps. We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria.”
Addressing state of the nation, Obasanjo expressed positivity that the current situation of the country is repairable and redeemable as long as all Nigerians come together and work as an entity.
He then reiterated his commitment to continue to exist as a Pan-Africanist, a patriotic and a nationalistic Nigerian, and a black man from African root.
NIGERIA IS A DISAPPOINTMENT TO THE WORLD
Expressing his disgust and dissatisfaction at the state of Nigeria, Obasanjo said Nigeria, the most populous black nation, has let Black Race, Africa and the rest of the World down.
He cited disunity as the main factor tearing the country apart and hindering it from treading on the path of greatness to fulfil its potentials as leading nation for the Africa.
He pointed disintegration as main deterrence to Nigeria’s progress and development−a factor which he cited to be keeping the nation from achievement greatness and being ranked among elite nations in the world.
“The truth is that at independence, Nigeria emerged with three leaders, and so it has been a situation of three countries in one ever since.”
Amid ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria, Obasanjo noted that he remains optimistic about the future of Nigeria, stating, “As long as we can look back as a country and correct the mistake of the past,” he said.
DENYING THE IGBOS PRESIDENCY OVER ATTEMPS TO SECEDE IS UNFAIR
Obasanjo noted that Nigeria comprises three major ethnic groups which are the Yoruba, the Hausas and the Igbos, and in one way or the other, all attempted to secede.
North once tried to break away from Nigeria through Araba Movement, disclosing that a friend of his, Ahmed Jooda, confessed to being one of forces behind the secession plot.
“I think all of us in Nigeria have to rethink… It bleeds my heart when people say because the Igbo had carried out a secession, an Igbo man cannot be the president of Nigeria.
“I say what nonsense? There is no section of Nigeria that has not planned a secession. What is ‘Araba’ in the North? The North planned to break up Nigeria. Ahmed Jooda, a very good friend of mine, said that.
“What is treasonable felony? So, who among us can say I am better than the other? None! So, let us put our heads together and build a country together,” he added.
He stressed the necessity of the nation to appoint prospective leaders based on merit and national interest rather than overwhelming consideration placed on pedigrees.
“It is high time we began working for the national interest,” he noted.
“Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Obasanjo: I Prefer Being A Nigerian
Democrats, but how I wish you to call your group National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem. Where I was born should not be the enemy of my Nigerianess,” Obasanjo continued.
“I will be increasing by being a Nigerian rather than being a member of the Republic of Oodua.
“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba…we must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together,” he added.
Chief Obasanjo implored the nation to unite, citing opportunities passing Nigeria by due to disunity.
“When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun, but is that the situation today? We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa, and the world at large.”
Lastly, the former president stated that it is not too late for the country to overcome present challenges and bounce back if everyone comes together through love; for unity and cohesion.
“We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria,” he concluded.
Shekerau, who led the delegation to Obasanjo’s residence, also spoke and stressed the swift need for cohesion and credible leadership and righteousness in the Nigerian politics.
“This group, made up of ladies and gentlemen from all walks of life, emerged approximately three months ago,” Shekarau said, citing that the formation of the group followed extensive consultations and dialogues.
Obasanjo: I Prefer Being A Nigerian. Obasanjo: I Prefer Being A Nigerian. Obasanjo: I Prefer Being A Nigerian
