OBASANJO URGES NIGERIA'S GREATNESS BEFORE HIS PASSING
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his deep desire to see Nigeria rise to greatness before he passes on, stating he's "getting close" to his departure lounge in life. In his new book, "Nigeria: Past and Future," Obasanjo assesses the country's leadership journey and issues stern criticisms of successive governments.
Obasanjo emphasized that his interventions, through books, letters, and public statements, were motivated by patriotism and not malice. "All my writings have been aimed at making Nigeria better because I strongly believe in documentation and in the possibility of a better Nigeria," he said. His notable works include "My Command," "Nzeogwu," "Not My Will," and "My Watch," a three-volume autobiography.
The former president did not hold back in his criticism of past administrations. He described former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration (2015-2023) as "the worst civil administration so far in Nigeria's history," citing failures to address corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice. "Words are cheap, and what needed to be done was left undone," Obasanjo wrote.
Obasanjo also expressed disappointment with the current Bola Tinubu administration, stating it "competing with Buhari's in inefficiency." Despite these criticisms, he remains confident in his legacy, highlighting his sacrifices in war, peacekeeping, imprisonment, and national service. "I have seen the best and the worst of Nigeria. Yes, mistakes were made, but great things were also done," he reflected.
With his advanced age and proximity to his "departure lounge," Obasanjo's desire for Nigeria's greatness is palpable. "I want to see Nigeria succeed soon. I may be close to my departure, but my desire is to witness the nation attain the greatness it deserves," the elder statesman added.
