Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, don talk say im dey feel better as a Nigerian than if im dey Oodua Republic. Obasanjo make dis statement when im receive 20-member delegation of League of Northern Democrats led by former governor of Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, at im penthouse inside Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Obasanjo lament say disunity dey hinder Nigeria from achieving greatness and being the leading light of the entire black race. He blame regionalism wey start before independence in 1960 as the foundation of the country’s prolonged lack of cohesion. According to am, “the truth is that at independence, Nigeria emerge with three leaders and so it is a situation of three countries in one ever since.”
Obasanjo emphasize say the question of where you come from should not be a problem when appointing leaders, but what should be of paramount interest is the merit, capacity, and ability to deliver and move the nation forward. He say, “It is high time we began working for the national interest.”
Obasanjo also advise the group to change their name to National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem. He say, “Yes, you have identified your group as League of Northern Democrats but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem. Where I was born should not be the enemy of my Nigerianess.”
The former President express his pride in being a Yoruba but emphasize that his being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of his being a Yoruba. He urge everyone to work together for the greatness of Nigeria, saying that the African continent, the black race, and the entire world are looking up to Nigeria.
Shekarau, the leader of the group, talk say the creation of the non-partisan group about three months ago was designed to rally good governance and oneness of the country. The group is concerned about issues of unity, youthful exuberance and employment, education, good governance, credible people in government, insecurity, and general underdevelopment of the country.
