On Tuesday, former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed his concern about the nation’s lack of unity, noting that this has been a major obstacle preventing Nigeria from reaching its full potential and becoming a beacon for the entire black race.
Obasanjo said that despite the uninspiring situation of things in the country, he remains an incurable optimist about things turning around for good for the country “as long as we can look back as a country and correct the mistake of the past.”
The former President blamed regionalism as practised before obtaining independence in Oct 1960 as the foundation of the country’s prolonged lack of cohesion explaining that “the truth is that at independence, Nigeria emerged with three leaders and so it is a situation of three countries in one ever since.”
Obasanjo revealed this during a meeting with a 20-member delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, which was led by former Kano State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, at his penthouse located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
The former President said that the question of where you come from in appointing leaders should not be a problem but what should be of paramount interest is the merit, capacity and ability to deliver on what we move the nation forward saying that “It is high time we began working for the national interest.”
Obasanjo said “Yes, you have identified your group as 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 Nigerianess. 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.
“The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up unto 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.
Obasanjo expressed that he shared the group’s concerns regarding the country’s poor condition but emphasized that the situation can be improved if everyone is willing to unite and work together as one nation.
He also affirmed his unwavering identity as a Pan-Africanist, a loyal and patriotic Nigerian, and a proud representative of the black race.
Obasanjo suggested that the League of Northern Democrats might consider renaming themselves the National League of Democrats since the values they promote are relevant across the entire nation, adding that he would gladly serve as their patron, even if he can’t actively participate due to his age.
Earlier, the group’s leader, Shekarau, explained that the non-partisan organization, established around three months ago, was aimed at promoting good governance and national unity.
The former governor highlighted that the group is focused on addressing concerns such as national unity, youth engagement and employment, education, good governance, integrity in leadership, insecurity, and the overall underdevelopment of the country.
Shekarau mentioned that the group, consisting of individuals from diverse professions across northern regions, united to explore ways to promote good governance and the election of trustworthy leaders, among other initiatives aimed at tackling the country’s challenges.
He expressed regret, noting the unfortunate situation where 93 million registered voters in the country are unable to elect a ruling class of no more than 11,000 members.
Shekarau said, “From all the 36 governors and their deputies, the President and his vice, the 469 lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and Senate, the councillors and the local government Chairmen, all of them are just a little over 11,000 yet the 93 million registered voters in the country can not look around and elect credible leaders. So, all of these we hope to address with our advocacy as a group.
The ex-governor mentioned that, as the former President has suggested, the group’s name will be changed to “National” after appropriate discussions, ensuring that everyone feels included.
The PUNCH
