2023: i’m working with elder statesmen to enthrone new Nigeria, Obasanjo hints

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president, declared that he is collaborating with other wise men to usher in a new Nigeria where everyone would feel a sense of belonging and there would be justice for all.

This claim was made by Obasanjo on Monday during a speech at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat in Enugu.

The former president claims that Nigeria is at a turning point in its political history and requires a leader with the appropriate qualities and the ability to reposition the nation.

Obasanjo signed a memorial book for Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, the First Republic’s Minister of Aviation, who passed away on November 1 during his visit.

As a sign of respect for the deceased, the head of the foremost Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo, and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, also signed the register.

In his speech, Obasanjo stated that the main issue facing Nigeria was the lack of leaders who have the necessary moral qualities to be trusted with positions of authority.

“So, if I put my hand on someone, it means that comparing with the other, I see that there is a merit that will be of benefit to Nigeria. And I believe that Chief Adebanjo stands for the same thing.”

Obasanjo declared that despite having served his time in Nigeria and paid his debts, he would continue to fight for justice and added that the issue facing the nation is not ethnic but rather national.

He said, “I have shed my blood for this country. I have gone to prison for this country. So, what are you going to frighten or threaten me with? The only thing that my senior brother (Adebanjo) hasn’t done is that he hasn’t shed his blood, but he has gone to prison.

“What I believe and what I think Pa Ayo Adebanjo believes is not ethnic, it’s not sectional, it is not religious, it is Nigeria. I believe in equity, I believe in justice, I believe in one Nigeria.”

Mbazulike was hailed by Obasanjo as a true Nigerian patriot and the last of the greats, and the former president expressed regret that he would not live to see the new Nigeria he had worked so hard to create.

The group’s Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, welcomed the distinguished leaders on behalf of the group’s President General, Professor George Obiozor, and stated that the organization would continue to work for justice, fairness, equity, and inclusion in Nigeria as the late Amaechi did.

Emuchay expressed gratitude to the leaders for honoring the late former minister and all Ndigbo, reiterating that the Ohanaeze is still steadfast in its commitment to supporting Peter Obi in the name of justice and equity.