NIGERIA IN BONDAGE, NEEDS NEW NATIONAL LEADER – OBASANJO

19119724 obasanjo2a jpeg271aebb93ed9a66ebab66d3d2d863353

NIGERIA IN BOBDAGE, NEEDS NEW NATIONAL LEADER – OBASANJO

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Nigeria is currently in bondage, weighed down by insecurity, economic hardship, and sectional leadership and in urgent need of a truly national leader to chart a new path.

Speaking at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, during a courtesy visit by the Southern leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Obasanjo emphasised that only a leader who transcends ethnic and sectional interests can rescue the country.

“We are in bondage,” Obasanjo lamented. “Let us keep watching the situation, but more importantly, let us pray that God delivers us.”

Rejecting affiliations to any political party, Obasanjo said: “I belong to no party. Nigeria is my political party. I only care about the country’s progress.” He emphasised the need for citizens to remain alert and engaged, warning that apathy could leave the nation in the hands of unworthy leaders.

Obasanjo decried the persistent trend of ethnicised leadership. “We’ve had Fulani Nigerian presidents, Hausa Nigerian presidents, Yoruba Nigerian presidents… but we’ve yet to have a true Nigerian president, one for all, not just their tribe,” he said. “Until we do, our problems will remain.”

He called for renewed focus on solving insecurity, revamping the economy, and eradicating tribalism. “We have few genuine nationalists among politicians today. Most are in it for themselves. Nigeria has disappointed not only Africa but the entire world.”

In his remarks, the NNPP’s Ogun State governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, said the country’s current political atmosphere is disheartening.

“If we truly want to build this country, we must start by putting the people’s needs first,” he said. “As Nigerian youths, we are preparing to come out en masse in 2027 to elect true leaders.”

Also speaking, NNPP Southwest Vice Chairman, Chief Ademola Ayoade, said the party visited Obasanjo for prayers and guidance as it begins consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We came to greet Baba, our father, who wants peace and progress for Nigeria,” Ayoade said. “He has given us his prayers and support.”

Asked whether the NNPP would join the ADC-led coalition, Ayoade replied, “Not for now. We’re focused on our consultations. No alliance yet.”

On rumours of NNPP’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, defecting to the APC, Ayoade dismissed the speculation. “It’s mere rumour. As far as we know, he’s not moving anywhere.”

The party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Prince Nweze Onu, stated that Obasanjo’s counsel arrived at a crucial time. “He has given us fatherly advice, and we will abide by it. He won’t lead us astray,” he said.

On the wave of defections by sitting governors to the APC, Onu said, “As the octogenarian rightly said, politicians must act with character and integrity. If you’re doing well, you won’t need to jump from party to party.”

The NNPP team on the courtesy visit included: Prince Nweze Onu, National Deputy Chairman (South); Chief Ademola Ayoade, National Vice Chairman (Southwest); Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Ogun 2023 governorship candidate; Ronnie Dikko-Killa, Lagos State chairperson; Lady Chinyere Ofokansi, Southeast Women Leader; Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo, Ogun State Secretary; Mrs Erelu Tosin, Southwest Women Leader; Comrade Malik Sannie, Southwest Youth Leader; Teluwo Kehinde, Ogun Central Senatorial Candidate; Kilamuwaye Badmus, Southwest PRO; Olagbenro Bababowale, Ibrahim Shuaib, and Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary.

About Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.

Check Also

BUHARI’S MISSED REVOLUTION: A REFLECTION ON LOST OPPORTUNITIES

BUHARI’S MISSED REVOLUTION: A REFLECTION ON LOST OPPORTUNITIES The passing of President Muhammadu Buhari marks …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sahifa Theme License is not validated, Go to the theme options page to validate the license, You need a single license for each domain name.