Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, said he is most qualified to criticise President Muhammadu Buhari, having presided over the affairs of the country at different times.
He said this at the 2018 Ibogun Day celebration which attracted notable indigenes of the state which include Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, two gubernatorial candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Allied People’s Movement (APM), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Hon. Adekunle Akinlade respectively.
Obasanjo equally advised Amosun not to get involved in his public spat with Buhari, saying both of them are soldiers.
He said, “I know Buhari and he too knows me. Till the day I die, Buhari will continue to address me as ‘sir.’ In 2015, if I didn’t support Buhari, he wouldn’t have won the election. I have what it takes to correct him. Nigeria should not be in the position we are today. Nigeria can be better. God has given us all that we need.
“I am qualified to speak against Buhari. One, I have done it before. Two, I have shed my blood for this country. Even my biological son has shed his blood. Why can’t I speak about what is best for this country? I am doubly qualified to do that.”
On the governorship election in 2019, the former President said God’s will is important in the choice of who becomes the governor of the State, irrespective of what individuals or collective interest may be.
He cautioned politicians against violence, contending that there are no reasons the country should not have a peaceful election in the state.
Obasanjo said, “I am particularly happy that the governor spoke against violence. I want to tell you, if you do not stop violence among your supporters, you will have yourself to blame. There is no earthly reason we should not have a peaceful election in the state”
He also directed the two governorship candidates to embrace themselves openly and also pointed out that the two would find themselves to blame if they do not caution their supporters against violence.
Obasanjo described Amosun as his dear brother despite their political affiliations.
“I have made my choice, it may not be in tandem with yours. Let my choice be and let yours be and let God decide and whoever gets there let all of us support him,” he submitted.
Amosun in his remarks urged politicians to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and not heat up the polity in the interest of the state.
