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Tag: Olusegun Obasanjo

  • Former Labour Minister, Graham Douglas is dead

    Former Labour Minister, Graham Douglas is dead

    Alagbo Graham Douglas, a former Minster of Labour and Productivity, is dead.

    This was revealed by a close associate, who said Douglas died in Abuja in the early hours of Monday.

    The deceased was a two-time Minister and a public relations expert.

    A Kalabari High Chief in Rivers where the late minister hailed from, Chief Ngo Martins Yellowe, also confirmed the death of the former Minister to our reporter in Port Harcourt, Rivers capital.

    Nigerian Minister Is Dead
    Yellowe, a veteran journalist, said the late Minster had been sick for some time.

    He was the Minister of Social Development and Aviation during the Ibrahim Babangida administration and served as Minister of Culture and Tourism, as well as that of Labour, Employment and Productivity under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    In an interview he granted a national newspaper, the two time Minister said: “I have passed through the valley of shadow of death. I think I am luckier than most of my brothers because nobody in my family has ever reached the age of 80. I went through several challenges of life – bitter ones, sometimes very close to death, yet God saved me and put me on the path of the living. I am feeling very elated.”

  • Court jails man for attempting to steal from Obasanjo

    Court jails man for attempting to steal from Obasanjo

    A 33-year-old man, Seun Sowemimo, has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, by an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court, for attempting to steal from ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

     

    Sowemimo whose address was not provided pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of theft and causing breach of peace.

     

    The Magistrate, Mrs Olajumoke Somefun, said that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict is guilty as charged.

     

    Prosecuting ASP, Olakunle Shonibare, had earlier told the court that Sowemimo scaled the fence into the compound of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta on April 1 with intent to steal.

     

    He explained that immediately he jumped in, he was caught by one of the security guards on duty.

     

    The offence, he said, contravened the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.

  • No individual can claim he has a solution to the challenges facing the nation- Obasanjo

    No individual can claim he has a solution to the challenges facing the nation- Obasanjo

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said Nigerians traveling are no longer safe on the road, on the train, and at the airport, adding that no individual can claim he has a solution to the challenges facing the nation.

     

    Obasanjo was reacting to the recent Kaduna train attack wherein eight persons were reported dead and many sustained injuries.

     

    He spoke while he played host to a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr Ugochukwu Williams, at his Penthouse residence within the premises of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

     

    He called for concerted efforts to stem the tide of insecurity in Nigeria, regretting that the Buhari administration had been overwhelmed by the situation.

     

    However, he charged Nigerians not to allow the present situation to overwhelm the country.

     

    “The situation we are in this country is not a situation where one man will say yes, he has a solution unless we are deceiving ourselves. I believe we need to sit down collectively and look at the situation,” the Balogun Owu.

     

    Obasanjo described the situation as one “where you are not safe on the road, you are not safe in the train, you are not safe at the airport.”

     

    “That shows a very serious situation,” the ex-President lamented.

     

    He suggested that “all right-thinking Nigerians must know that we have a situation that has overwhelmed the present administration.”

  • Don’t vote for presidential aspirants lying forms were acquired for them – Obasanjo

    Don’t vote for presidential aspirants lying forms were acquired for them – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians not to vote for any presidential candidate lying that some persons acquired forms for them. Obasanjo explains that the country is presently having leadership problems.

    Recall that presidential aspirants under the auspices of PDP ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Governor Aminu Tambuwal; former governor Peter Obi, are among those who said nomination forms were purchased for them.

    Obasanjo made this statement when Speaking in Lagos during a colloquium with the theme, “The African Christian Leadership: Radical Transformation in Unsettled Times” to mark the 61st birthday of Pastor Itua Ighodalo, Obasanjo said Nigeria’s problem is entirely about leadership.

    He said Nigeria’s constitution which many have faulted and attributes the country’s challenges to was drafted by the best brains gathered by the military at the time.

    “Today, they are paying N40m. Some of them (aspirants) even said it is some youths who bought it for them. In fact anybody who would come out to tell you such a lie, you shouldn’t vote for him. Which youths gathered N40m? If you want to buy it, buy it and tell us. You don’t need to lie to us.”

    The former President said the problems confronting Nigeria at the moment can only be surmounted by good leadership, noting that Nigeria needed a change of leadership.

    “If you say, ‘what is wrong with Nigeria’, leadership. If you say, ‘what do you have to do about Nigeria’, leadership. If you say, ‘where are we taking Nigeria? Leadership.’

    He added that leadership and not constitution is Nigeria’s problems.

  • Osinbajo, Jonathan, Obasanjo meet in Abeokuta, details emerge

    Osinbajo, Jonathan, Obasanjo meet in Abeokuta, details emerge

    Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) played host to African leaders in a meeting to find long-lasting solutions to challenges facing democracy on the continent.

    Nigeria’s former president Goodluck Jonathan was also in attendance alongside current Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, for the two-day meeting.

    The duo of Osinbajo and Jonathan were received by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who hosted other leaders of the continent.

    The event was put together by the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), an organisation chaired by Obasanjo himself.

    Other prominent figures sighted at the event were former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma and Prof. Abdoulaye Bathily, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and others.

    Journalists were barred from covering the main dialogue as the few who were allowed to cover the opening ceremony were later asked to step out.

    Feelers have it that the the invitation of Osinbajo by Obasanjo to declare the programme open may not be unconnected with his rumoured 2023 presidential ambition.

    Some supporters of the Vice President had mobilised to OOPL venue of the event, carrying banners to declare their support for Osinbajo, especially to plead with him to declare his ambition as early as possible.

    But, Obasanjo approached the people, telling them Osinbajo was not in the Ogun State capital for politics, but for a dialogue on Africa development.

    He asked them to lower their banners, urging them not to turn the premises to a campaign ground.

     

     

     

    While declaring the dialogue open, the African leaders expressed worries that West Africa and indeed Africa are currently going through a perilous storm following political instability in some parts of the continent.

    Speaking on the theme, ‘West Africa: Rising To The Challenges of Consolidating Democratic Governance’, the leaders condemned military take over of democratically elected governments in some African countries, saying democracy in West Africa and indeed Africa requires urgent attention.

    They lamented that, coup d’etat, election fraud and political violence and instability have crippled the growth of Africa, calling on military leaders to desist from truncating democracy in Africa.

  • 2023: Obasanjo denies endorsing South-East for president

    2023: Obasanjo denies endorsing South-East for president

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not endorse the South-East for the presidency ahead of the 2023 election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Obasanjo made this known in a rebuttal released by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi.

    Obasanjo’s rebuttal follows an online report quoting him to have backed the region to produce the next president for the country.

    According to the report, the former president stated that south-easterners can bring a lot to the table if elected.

    The ex-president speaking via his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, stated that while receiving Mao Ohuabunwa, a presidential aspirant, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, words were put in his mouth thus the misrepresentation in the media.

    However, Obasanjo tackled Ohuabunwa as being the brain behind the report, saying he (the aspirant) put words into his mouth.

    The former president through the statement noted that it was a wrong approach by Ohuabunwa.

    Speaking through his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Obasanjo said, “If that was the way the presidential aspirant wanted to approach his ambition; such was a wrong way.”

    He said “He came here and the former President received him as a gentleman and in the spirit of his 85th birthday celebrations only for him to go and put words into his mouth. Baba is not that sort of man and if that is the way he wants to fulfil his ambition that is a wrong way.”

  • Atiku Abubakar- A Candidate to Beat- by Seidu Mohammed

    Atiku Abubakar- A Candidate to Beat- by Seidu Mohammed

    If there is one politician with national spread, grassroots acceptance, political experience and requisite administrative skills to oil to take Nigeria out its current myriad of challenges, it sure has to be His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar – the Waziri of Adamawa state.

    As Vice President in the Administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, he exhibited his adroit administrative prowess with the way he led the execution of that regime’s game changing economic policies such as the privatization programme, finance sector reforms, debt management etc.Without a doubt the Wazirin Adamawa is a candidate to beat in the forthcoming presidential election.

    There has been this debate in respect to youths being politically responsible for the future of the country. As plausible as that may sound, politics is no tea party. In politics, power is not given but earned. Aiku Abubakar is one prominent political figure that has shown that he has prepared himself for the serious task of leading a complex country with serious economic challenges like Nigeria. Physically, he looks like a spartan warrior prepared for leadership. Atiku Abubakar has said it countless times more than I can remember that if given the mandate by Nigerians to govern them, the youths of the country – which he considers to be an intrinsic part of the population of the country will play very fundamental roles in his administration.

    The last seven years of APC stewardship of the country can conveniently be described as a monumental disaster. Across the length and breadth of the country, there seems to be a national consensus that the life of an average Nigerian was better off during PDP leadership of the country compared to the chaotic political, economic and security climate that characterized the APC government of the past seven years.

    The 2023 election is fast approaching. Nigerians of good reason and conscience must be deliberate in avoiding the mistakes of the last seven years. The APC knows they have nothing to offer in defense of their disastrous stint on power and rather than focus on issue based campaigns, the party and their agencies are preoccupied with Atiku’s age rather than what he has to offer.

    There’s no denying that Atiku remains a candidate to beat. He is the only politically experienced and intentionally prepared individual with a blueprint on how to govern the country. The PDP should avoid the temptation of discontinuing the party legacy of zoning. The internal zoning arrangement of the party has been a political balancing tool and a leadership recruitment strategy. Even more commendable is the idea of giving Nigerians a sense of belonging. The current arrangement of a leader from the North to continue from where the late Musa Yar’adua of blessed memory stopped must be honored by the party chieftain for the sake of equity and fairness.

    As a party faithful myself, I owe Nigeria the responsibility of supporting His Excellency Atiku Abubakar on his rescue Nigeria mission. Now more than ever, we patriots need to arise en masse to chase APC out with our voter’s cards. Like they say, the reward for good work is more work. It follows therefore that the reward for bad work is less work. APC deserves less responsibility and the onus is on Nigerians to mobilize in support of Atiku because he has the interest of the country at heart. The APC knows any day, anytime, Atiku is a candidate to beat and it would be a disastrous outing for PDP if his name is not on the ballot.

     

  • President Olusegun Obasanjo at 85 – By Hope Eghagha

    President Olusegun Obasanjo at 85 – By Hope Eghagha

    By Hope O’Rukevbe Eghagha

    Former President Matthew Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo turned eighty-five years on Saturday 5th of March 2022 and citizens from different walks of life stormed Abeokuta to celebrate with this icon of national politics. It was a busy week for him and his staff. I had an appointment to see him Thursday the 3rd and was witness to the calibre of persons who came in throughout the day. For a man who joined the military to get on in life, God has been really kind to him. He has governed the country in two different capacities- as a soldier and as an elected democrat- and continues to be a strong moral, political force even outside government. And the old man acknowledges a divine touch in his life’s choices and decision outcomes. Fit as a fiddle on his 85th birthday and coming out to pay soccer as an attestation of how fair nature had been to him health wise. How many 85-year-olds can jog round the football field without collapsing? Added to this is his level of mental alertness when he holds conversations and when he addresses an audience extempore. No man prays for more! For this he is eternally grateful. What is the secret behind this agile and solid framework in the ripe age of 85years?

    After his days as Military Head of State when he handed over power to a civilian administration in 1979, Obasanjo became a darling of the western world. Of course, we are familiar with the penchant of African leaders to sit tight in office upon seizing power, transiting to civilian rulers with the temperament of a soldier. Obasanjo said no to the that temptation and handed over to Alhaji Shehu Shagari in a very colourful ceremony in 1979. He saluted the new president and took a back seat. That singular action endeared him to the world, and he became an international statesman huge in stature, rubbing shoulders with the world’s Eminent Group of Persons.

    But Chief Obasanjo would not have become president if Murtala Mohammed was not assassinated in February 1976 in a coup attempt. It is on record that Obasanjo as Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, effective Vice President of the country, did the yeoman’s job for that administration. He worked so well with the fiery Mohammed and became the natural choice after the latter fell to the bullets of reactionary coup plotters. Much against his personal will and desire, (the other members of the Supreme military Council had to compel him to step into the shoes) he became head of State and promised to lead the nation in the spirt with which Murtala Mohammed had led the nation – that of complete dedication. He then pursued the return to civil rule with a sense of urgency.

    He subsequently became a moral force in the country, often emerging from semi-retirement to write pungent letters to some of his successors once he thought the ship of state needed to be redirected. Indeed, serving Presidents prayed never to receive an Obasanjo letter. Presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Jonathan and Buhari have been victims of his trenchant moral missiles at different times. In such letters, he often spoke the mind of Nigerians, daring to say what persons in his class would not say openly. He has been involved in making presidents and unmaking them too. No government ignored such letters.

    His political fortunes took a nosedive during the tumultuous days of the Abacha junta when he was arrested and detained for coup plotting. The nation will never forget that footage of a bewildered Obasanjo shocked by the gravity of the frame up by that notorious regime which soon kicked the dust in a most disgraceful and tragic manner. The fear in the nation was palpable. Abacha had no qualms deleting people from the world if he thought that it would serve his interest. The tragic story of General Musa Yar Adua illustrates this vicious aspect of Abacha’s character. Obasanjo could easily have gone the way of Yar Adua and MKO Abiola. But fate smiled at him. Innocent of the coup charge, and favoured by his antecedents, from jail, Obasanjo was drafted to become a democratically elected President in 1999 under the aegis of the Peoples’ Democratic Party. Not too many persons have their grace in this world.

    As a young man, it was the post-1976 coup speech that caught my attention about him. He was virtually choking as he gave that speech to the nation. This man who had fought in the Nigeria-Biafra conflict of 1967-70, instrumental to the end of hostilities was badly shaken by the senseless violence of the 1976 assassination of his immediate political boss, Murtala Mohammed. And he conveyed that emotion to the shocked nation. He piloted the nation from 1976 till 1979 when he handed over power to a civilian administration.

    His years as an elected President was a mixed bag, owing to the peculiarities of the time. He was the first elected military officer to work with hardcore often mischievous politicians at the centre. But he made the mobile phone possible in the country, disabled the military capacity to plot and execute coups and stabilized the naira among other achievements. His contacts around the world facilitated a debt forgiveness programme for Nigeria possible. He helped to entrench democracy and won a second term in office in a landslide. Although the end of his tenure was almost marred by a rumoured third terms agenda, history will be kind to Chief Obasanjo. Already, he is seen as one of the best leaders in the post military era both in achievements and the moral authority represented by his vibrant personality on national matters.

    As he turns 85 years, I join him to give thanks to God for the grace of a long, successful and prosperous life and for his stabilizing personality in the affairs of the Nigerian state. A former king who becomes a king maker never really leaves the stage. Metaphorically speaking, Chief Obasanjo will never leave the Nigerian stage as long as he breathes the God-given fresh air of Mother Earth. If we all continue to wonder what Chief Obasanjo’s opinion is on national matters, then the man Obasanjo remains, relevant and powerful in the hearts of the people. Baba, I greet you from the bottom of my heart! Cheers!

     

    Professor Hope O. Eghagha (BA, Jos; MA; PhD, Lagos) MNAL
    Department of English
    Faculty of Arts
    University of Lagos
    Akoka Lagos
    NIGERIA

  • Encomium pours in as Obasanjo marks 85th birthday

    Encomium pours in as Obasanjo marks 85th birthday

    A host of Nigerians has poured encomium on former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he marked his 85th birthday.

    Among those who honoured Obasanjo on his 85th birthday are President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan and former Senate President David Mark.

    Other are former President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Presidential hopeful, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu and former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

    Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bells University have congratulated the former President.

    Senate President congratulates former president Obasanjo at 85

    The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan has felicitated with former president Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

    Lawan, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by Mr Ola Awoniyi, his Special Adviser on Media, joined Obasanjo’s family members, friends, and well-wishers to rejoice with the elder statesman on this auspicious occasion.

    “I heartily congratulate former president Obasanjo as he continues his strong march in his remarkable journey of life.

    “President Obasanjo is a true Nigerian patriot, pan-Africanist and global figure who has made great contributions to the political development of Nigeria and the emancipation of Africa.

    “He is a consistent protagonist of the Nigerian project, even now as an elder statesman, he has continued to push for Nigeria to realise her huge potentials as a great nation.

    “This is to be expected, as his name is linked to some of the greatest events and developments in Nigerian history.

    “I therefore heartily join Nigerians across the country in celebrating this unique figure as he crosses the milestone of 85 years.

    “I also congratulate him on the divine blessing of attaining the milestone in good health of body and mind.

    “I wish him many more years of continued service to his beloved Nigeria and Africa, and to the cause of peace all over the world,” Lawan said.

    Obasanjo’s indomitable spirit inspiring, reassuring – David Mark

    Former Senate President David Mark has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a patriotic African leader.

    Obasanjo attained the age of 85 years on Saturday.

    In a congratulatory message on Sunday in Abuja, Mark said that Obsanjo had been passionate about peace, unity and development of the continent.

    He made the disclosure in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Mumeh.

    According to the former senate president, Obasanjo is an uncommon leader who believes in the unity of Nigeria and Africa at large.

    “Both as a military head of state and as civilian president, Obasanjo left no one in doubt of his political will to uphold the sanctity of our unity as one indivisible Nigeria.

    “His frontline role in the battle that ended the 30 months Nigeria/ Biafra war remains a reference point in the history and evolution of Nigeria,“he said.

    He praised Obasanjo for his untiring efforts in ensuring peace in Nigeria and Africa, saying, “his indomitable spirit is inspiring and reassuring.”

    Mark urged the new generation of leaders to emulate the virtues of Obasanjo.

    “His kind is what we need to make the nation peaceful, united and uphold our bond of brotherhood,” he said.

    He urged Obasanjo to continue to make his wealth of experience available to the younger generation to tap from.

    He prayed God to continue to grant Obasanjo good health, wisdom and courage.

    Jonathan congratulates Obasanjo at 85

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

    He described Obasanjo as a leader with a good reputation and a statesman.

    Jonathan in a goodwill message in Abuja on Saturday noted that Obasanjo’s legacies have continued to endure many years after he left office as President.

    “I join your family and friends to celebrate you as you mark your birthday this year.

    “ You are an accomplished leader, with a sterling reputation in statesmanship and a peacemaker in Nigeria and across Africa.

    “Your legacies in Nigeria and Africa have continued to endure many years after you left office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “As you celebrate, on behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I wish you more strength, good health and peace in all spheres of life.”

    Okowa salutes Obasanjo at 85

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he clocked 85 years.

    Okowa said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.

    He said Nigeria benefited immensely from the former president’s leadership at various times as several tangible key infrastructure and, economic reforms, were hallmarks of his leadership.

    Okowa commended the former president for always lending his voice on national issues and for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country and humanity.

    He described the octogenerian as an epitome of nationalism and statesmanship and lauded him for his sustained contributions to peace and unity in Nigeria.

    Okowa remarked that the former president had, through acknowledged efforts and effect, etched his name and Nigeria’s in global reckoning, adding that he was a well-respected personality in global affairs.

    “On the occasion of your 85th birth anniversary, I heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta.

    “As a country, we recall with nostalgia, the economic reforms in the banking, communication and health sectors, introduced during your administration which paved way for the revolution in the Nigerian economy.

    “At 85, you have continued to give yourself to the service of our nation in various ways, including your frequent fatherly admonitions to the nation at various levels.

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

    “I wish you, our dear father, a well-deserved 85th birth anniversary celebration,” he said.

    Birthday: OBJ has made great contributions to Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu

    Presidential hopeful, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu on Sunday, congratulated former president Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday, describing him as one who had made great contributions to Nigeria.

    Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the CBN and a 2023 presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) said this in a statement in Lagos.

    “I congratulate H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ph.D. GCFR, on his 85th birthday.

    “Baba”, as he is fondly called, has made great contributions to nation-building, national stability, the economy, and international relations of our country Nigeria.

    “Love him, hate him or be indifferent, no one can ignore his huge footprints in the sands of Nigerian and African time.’

    Moghalu said that Obasanjo’s address on “Africa Narrative with Nigeria Situation” to mark his birthday, was a classic, hoping that the media would publish it full.

    “The address was deep, thoughtful and laden with experience.

    “There are no perfect leaders. There are no leaders without fault or mistakes. But ex president Obasanjo is a thinking man who respects ideas, and has made powerful contributions to national, African and world history.

    “Happy birthday Baba! May God grant you many more years,” Moghalu added.

    Tinubu hails Obasanjo at 85

    A former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he clocks 85.

    Tinubu, in a congratulatory message by his Media Aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, on Saturday in Lagos, praised Obasanjo for his patriotism and commitment to the unity of the country.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart said that the former president had remained strong, agile and committed to the greatness of our dear nation.

    He explained that although there had been instances where he had disagreed with Obasanjo on important substantive issues.

    Tinubu, however, noted that the former president had made numerous useful contributions to the country.

    “Our debates have been spirited yet always professional and without personal animus.

    “Through it all, I have come to respect his love for the country and legendary work ethics.

    “President Obasanjo has worked tirelessly for Nigeria, Africa and indeed the black race and has earned his stripes as an important statesman on the world stage.

    “Baba Obasanjo is bold and courageous and will continue to be so for that is the essence of his character,” he said.

    Tinubu prayed God Almighty keeps Obasanjo for many more years and that God grants him good health and ceaseless energy to continue to be of service to the country he loves so dearly.

    PDP salutes former President Obasanjo at 85

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday anniversary.

    The party congratulated him in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Saturday.

    Ologunagba described Obasanjo as an exceptionally patriotic leader, courageous statesman, insightful administrator and global personality.

    He said that “Obasanjo had continued to play pivotal roles towards the security, unity, stability and development of our dear nation, Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world at large.

    “As a military leader, democratically elected President and now an elder statesman, Obasanjo remains a detribalised leader and firm believer in one and indivisible Nigeria established on the firm foundation of democracy, justice, equity, transparency and the Rule of Law.

    “The PDP recalls Obasanjo’s leading role as Military Head of State to effectively steer the ship of state and returned our nation to democratic rule in 1979.

    “As a democratically elected President, under the platform of our great Party, the PDP, Obasanjo ran an all-inclusive, transparent and development-oriented government, entrenched democratic practice, and revamped the productive sectors.

    “He set up anti-corruption institutions and steadied the nation on the path of economic prosperity in line with the vision and manifesto of the PDP,” Ologunagba said.

    He noted that under the Obasanjo-led PDP administration, Nigeria paid off its foreign debts, instilled good governance to effectively empower Nigerians and stimulate rapid growth in critical sectors and made nation a global investment destination.

    The sectors, according to him, include agriculture, manufacturing, education, power, oil and gas, healthcare, housing, banking and finance, and telecommunication, among others.

    He said that as an elder statesman, Obasanjo continued to make himself available for national service.

    Ologunagba said that the PDP family felicitated with Obasanjo on the auspicious occasion, praying that God will grant him many more years in good health for greater service to the nation and humanity at large.

    Bells University celebrates proprietor, former President Obasanjo at 85

    The Vice-Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, on Saturday congratulated its proprietor, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday.

    Ojediran described Obasanjo as a quintessential global leader. He noted that Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the world were exemplary, saying the former president is a living legend and a strong voice within and outside Nigeria.

    The vice-chancellor said that the former president is worth celebrating for his contributions to the development of Nigeria and of the African continent.

    “On behalf of Bells University’s management and my family, I deeply felicitate with Baba Obasanjo on his 85th anniversary.

    “I pray that the giver of life would continue to grant him long life and good health to reap the good fruits of his labour,’’ he said.

    Ojediran also described Obasanjo as someone who was always seeking solutions to pressing development problems confronting Africa and developing nations in general.

    At 85, Obasanjo harps on nation-building

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Saturday in Abeokuta that Nigeria needed to embrace and prioritise nation- building to attain greater heights.

    He spoke at a symposium with the theme: “African narrative with the Nigerian Situation’’ organised to mark his 85th birthday.

    Obasanjo listed the ideals of nation building to include equity, justice, common ideals, popular education, shared values, mutual respect and equality of opportunities.

    He explained that the fundamentals needed to be anchored and propelled by leaders who are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue and must be courageous to do what is right.

    He added that such leaders must be humble and be able to put a team together to work in selfless devotion and service with the fear of God.

    “From personal experience and clinical observation, there is no substitute for steady and uncompromised process of nation-building as we have had in some notable examples in the past that have stood us in good stead.

    “Fixing Nigeria must begin on the principles of nation-building; not necessarily on emotions, sentiments, euphoria, ignorance, incompetence, ethnicity, nepotism, bigotry, sectionalism, regionalism, religion or class.

    “The issues of security, stability, development, economy and our relationship within Africa and with the rest of the world can only be taken care of if we get the issue of nation-building right,’’ he said.

    Obasanjo advised that Nigeria must first seek to be a nation rather than a country, stressing that: “the cart should not be put before the horse, otherwise, Nigeria, in no time will not be a country, but countries.’’

    For the statesman, such task was beyond one person, political parties, professionals and commercial politicians.

    “It demands and requires all hands to be on deck. I mean Nigerians in all walks of life including, politicians, community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, diplomatic leaders, leaders in the academia, leaders in all aspects of government and leaders in other aspects of the civil society,’’ he said.

    Concerning the 2023 general elections, Obasanjo advised Nigerians to prioritise principles above personalities in their choice of leaders.

    “We need to be clear about what Nigeria needs today and why Nigeria needs it. Only then can we answer the question of how. The answer will inform us of the criteria and characteristics for determining who.

    “I believe in principles before personalities and taking personalities before principles is putting the cart before the horse,’’ the former Nigerian leader said.

    He added that what was uppermost for him was how to transit Nigeria from being a country to a nation.

    “When we have adequately taken care of nation-building measures, especially management of our unity and taken care of every anomalous situation, then we must zero on personalities.

    “In situation like the one we are in, I will not rush into naming names without necessary consultations and well-defined principles and criteria.

    “Each contender must be properly x-rayed and profiled from birth and Nigerians must be educated to be able to make a choice that will be in the national interest and propel Nigeria forward,’’ Obasanjo stressed.

  • 2023: Obasanjo clears air on sponsoring 3 aspirants for presidency

    2023: Obasanjo clears air on sponsoring 3 aspirants for presidency

    Former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has denied sponsoring three presidential aspirants from the south ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obasanjo cleared the air on the rumours on Saturday at a symposium with the theme: “African narrative with the Nigerian Situation’’ organised to mark his birthday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    He also insisted he has not endorsed anyone to run for the presidency next year.

    “I read and hear about endorsements and statements in support of candidates that I frankly have not made and forming next political parties that I can never get involved in.

    “I was told that social media credited to me the names of three people from the south that I am sponsoring for Presidency in 2023

    “My friend, Professor Ango Abdullah, who brought this to my knowledge; I have neither named names nor stated my position.” Obasanjo said.

    As former President Obasanjo marked his 85th birthday, he has said how to transition Nigeria from being a country to a nation is what is uppermost for him.

    He stressed that Nigeria needed to embrace and prioritise nation-building to attain greater heights.

    Obasanjo listed the ideals of nation building to include equity, justice, common ideals, popular education, shared values, mutual respect and equality of opportunities.

    He explained that the fundamentals needed to be anchored and propelled by leaders who are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue and must be courageous to do what is right.

    He added that such leaders must be humble and be able to put a team together to work in selfless devotion and service with the fear of God.

    “From personal experience and clinical observation, there is no substitute for a steady and uncompromised process of nation-building as we have had in some notable examples in the past that have stood us in good stead.

    “Fixing Nigeria must begin on the principles of nation-building; not necessarily on emotions, sentiments, euphoria, ignorance, incompetence, ethnicity, nepotism, bigotry, sectionalism, regionalism, religion or class.

    “The issues of security, stability, development, economy and our relationship within Africa and with the rest of the world can only be taken care of if we get the issue of nation-building right,’’ he said.

    Obasanjo advised that Nigeria must first seek to be a nation rather than a country, stressing that: “the cart should not be put before the horse, otherwise, Nigeria, in no time will not be a country, but countries.’’

    For the statesman, such a task was beyond one person, political parties, professionals and commercial politicians.

    “It demands and requires all hands to be on deck. I mean Nigerians in all walks of life including politicians, community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, diplomatic leaders, leaders in academia, leaders in all aspects of government and leaders in other aspects of civil society,’’ he said.

    Concerning the 2023 general elections, Obasanjo advised Nigerians to prioritise principles above personalities in their choice of leaders.

    “We need to be clear about what Nigeria needs today and why Nigeria needs it. Only then can we answer the question of how. The answer will inform us of the criteria and characteristics for determining who.

    “I believe in principles before personalities and taking personalities before principles is putting the cart before the horse,’’ the former Nigerian leader said.

    He added that what was uppermost for him was how to transit Nigeria from being a country to a nation.

    “When we have adequately taken care of nation-building measures, especially management of our unity and taken care of every anomalous situation, then we must zero in on personalities.

    “In situations like the one we are in, I will not rush into naming names without necessary consultations and well-defined principles and criteria.

    “Each contender must be properly x-rayed and profiled from birth and Nigerians must be educated to be able to make a choice that will be in the national interest and propel Nigeria forward,’’ Obasanjo stressed.