*As Buhari, Anyim, Obi, others hail the elderstatesman at 85

By Myke Uzendu 

Several politicians aspiring for political offices in the 2023 general election ought to be in jail by now for corrupt practices, according to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo made this statement on Saturday, emphasising that had the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) performed their assignmets properly with the support of the judiciary, several of the politicians aspiring for political offices and their supporters would have been jailed.

The former President spoke at the international symposium, organised to mark his 85th birthday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The symposium was attended physically and virtually by personalities, including: President Paul Kagame (Ruwanda), President Nicéphore Soglo (Benin), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Goski Alabi (Ghana), Amb. Barry Desker (Singapore), Prof. Juma Shabani (Burundi), Dr Mary Khimulu (Kenya), Dr Moussa Kondo (Mali); Prof. Sarah Agbor (Cameroon). the Governor-elect of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, among others.

The theme of the symposium was: “Africa Narrative with Nigeria Situation.”

Speaking, Obasanjo maintained that Nigerians must learn from the events of the past and put aside sentiments in choosing the next president of the country.

He said: “I cast a cursory look at some of the people running around and those for whom people are running around. 

“If EFCC and ICPC have done their jobs properly and supported adequately by the judiciary, most of them would have been in jail.

“Any person who has no integrity in small things cannot have integrity in big things. 

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

“The issue 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.

“We have a lot to learn from the events of the last almost 24 years and God is not to blame if we fail.

“It would appear that we are not getting our priorities right and that can spell doom for our country if we fail to do what we should do for nation-building in terms of fundamentals of equity, justice, common ideals, education, shared values, mutual respect and equality of opportunity anchored and propelled by leaders across board that are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue, courage to do what is right, humility and ability to put a team together and work with them in selfless devotion and service with the fear of God.”

*Buhari, Anyim, Obi, others hail Obasanjo at 85

Meanwhile, dignitaries across board have hailed the former president describing him as an “Iroko” among contemporary African leaders.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement signed by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, extolled Obasanjo’s wisdom, insight and versatility.

President Buhari said: “As a former military and civilian leader, with a strong network nationally I extol the wisdom, insight, and versatility that Chief Obasanjo brings to bear on things, reflecting his experience, diligence, and versatility.”

He stated that Obasanjo’s influence resonated beyond the country.

“President Buhari believes the former Head of State, 1976 — 1979 and former President of Nigeria, 1999-2007, is a study in patriotism, leadership, and courage, leading the country to democratic government in 1979, and taking over the reins of power as elected President in 1999,” Adesina wrote.

Former Presudent of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, has described Obasanjo as “a foremost statesman and global citizen”.

In a birthday message to the former president Anyim, a presidential aspirant for next year’s election, said Obasanjo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria.

He said: “Baba! You are a true citizen of the world, an outstanding leader in Africa, and our nation’s pre-eminent statesman. You have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of our dear country, Africa, and the world at large.

“You have played key roles at various stages of Nigeria’s and Africa’s political history. At all those stages, you provided visionary and principled leadership guided by a deep love for and commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians and the black man”.

On his part Peoples, former Governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Mr. Peter Obi, rejoiced with Chief Obasanjo, as he marked his birthday describing him as one whose commitment to Nigeria’s development remains commendable and outstanding. 

Obi said, undoubtedly, Obasanjo had contributed greatly to the development of the country, and the continent at large.

He noted that his “courageous leadership style and democratic footprints in our nation, and indeed other African countries, is worth celebrating”.

He prayed God to continue to bless Obasanjo with the health of mind and body.