I have read the full text of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo New Year message to Nigerians. I also also followed up with the reaction of Nigerians and political parties to the messages delivered by the Ebora of Owu, Chief Segun Obasanjo.
I am constrained to respond on this important subject matter which has generated a nationwide debate.
Before I proceed, I wish to make the following disclosure:
✅I am not Obidient and i am currently not a card carrying member of any political party in Nigeria.
✅I do not speak for OBJ and not qualified to do so.
✅My response below is apolitical and an objective independent assessment of 01012023 OBJ message.
I want to say that the OBJ 01012023 message goes beyond the endorsement of Peter Obi but permit me to speak on the endorsement first.
Peter Obi endorsement:
The endorsement of Peter Obi by OBJ is a personal choice and certainly within the rights of OBJ to do so.
It is less important if the endorsement will translate into votes for Peter Obi or if the endorsement has any electoral value. What is important is that Chief Obasanjo has publicly expressed his personal opinion on a critical national assignment of strategic importance, the assignment of political succession in 2023.
What is even more important to highlight in the endorsement is that;
✅The endorsement is a non tribal endorsement. If it is tribe or geozone, OBJ will be BATIFIED.
✅ The endorsement is an endorsement of national unity and another handshake from Ikenne to Onitsha. It is a nationhood endorsement.
✅The endorsement is not driven by political party affiliation. OBJ is not a card carrying member of LP.
It is for the above 3 reasons that I find the OBJ endorsement of Peter Obi to be a genuine personal endorsement by OBJ as seen from the views of OBJ.
We do not have to agree with him. We also do not have to crucify him for his expression.
It is No surprise that our tribesmen in Nigeria found the OBJ endorsement totally offensive. OBJ is not a tribesman and has simply acted differently from tribesmen.
The OBJ message goes beyond endorsement of an individual.
As a statesman, OBJ message contained important messages for Nigeria. He talked about our journey so far, the qualities of a good leader and talked a lot about the need for the unity of Nigerians. We cannot dismiss these hard facts.
On leadership qualities, he identified 4 important attributes:
– Track record of ability and performance.
– Vision
– Character
– Physical and mental capability, soundness of mind.
I cannot agree more.
He also said;
“I have paid my dues’ are one and the same thing and are wrong attitude and mentality for the leadership of Nigeria now”.
I also agree 100%.
On competence, OBJ said
“What is masqueraded as ‘competence’ is self-interest and nepotism”.
This is a direct reference to same faith ticket which is camouflaged in the regalia of competence.
Again, OBJ spoke truth!
On national unity and Zama Lafia of all Nigerians, OBJ said;
“We have a unique opportunity to correct ourselves by ourselves for the good of ourselves. Those who are preaching division, segregation, separation, and want to use diversity for their own self and selfish interest are enemies of the nation, no matter what else they may disguisedly profess or proclaim.”
This includes the division by religion and geography to achieve personal ambition.
OBJ said we should let go of the past;
“Just let us agree to move forward together in mutual forgiveness, one accord, inclusive society, equality and equity. Together and without bias and discrimination, fear or favour, we can have Nigeria of one nation in diversity, in truth and in practice. Let us honour, cherish, respect and even celebrate our diversity which is the basis of our potential greatness and strength. If we will only continue to harp on wrongs done by each of us individually or collectively, we will never be able to stand together.”
Closing:
The OBJ new year message goes beyond endorsement. The message on leadership qualities, unity and zama lafia is a timely message from a Statesman.
The Yoruba adage says;
“Agba kin wa ni ile, ki ori omo tuntun wo” meaning “You cannot have a new born child with a bent head, in the presence of an elder”.
We do not expect our present day Ahmadu Bellos, Tafawa Balewas and Obafemi Awolowos to sit down, fold their arms and watch the ship of state navigate into Bermuda Triangle.
OBJ has simply expressed his personal opinion on what he thinks is best for Nigeria.
He was not paid to do so.
He only exhibited a patriotic act as an elderly statesman.
We should be grateful for his wise counsel. We do not have to accept the endorsement. The message goes beyond endorsement.
And finally, the official responses and attacks on OBJ by APC and PDP was totally unnecessary.
Happy New Year! May all our national calamities disappear this year.
Bashorun Femi Adegbulugbe, Atiku/Okowa supporter writes from Canada.
