Obasanjo Berates FG in a No Hold Barred Speech; Periscopes 2023
Olusegun Obasanjo is a very visible and firm voice in his commentary on the happenings in Nigeria. At every rocky bend in the history of the country, his incisive comments most of the times benchmark how such subject is viewed and accessed.
The elder statesman and undisputed longest serving leader of Nigeria spanning two form of governments has recently at a consultative dialogue of Nigeria’s socio-cultural organizations, convened and facilitated by him on the state of the nation said the country is fast drifting to a failed and badly divided state, a manifestation of recent mismanagement of diversity and socio-economic development of the country.
He took a jab on the APC led government saying it would amount to dangerous and destructive self-delusion for anybody to claim that all is well in Nigeria today, adding that fixing the country is the duty of all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria
Obasanjo while delivering a speech titled “Moving Nigeria Away From Tipping Over” in Abuja says he believes that 2023 should be the beginning of a true and genuine Nigeria where nobody would feel oppressed nor have a sense of alienation.
The frank and fearless commentator was optimistic notwithstanding, that Nigeria can indeed be salvaged from disintegration if everyone is ready to live together in understanding, mutual respect, love with equity, justice and inclusiveness.
A communique released at the end of the brainstorming gathering which had in attendance the representatives of the Afenifere, Middle belt Forum, Northern Elders Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo and the Pan Niger Delta Forum, identified the severe hazards Nigeria is facing especially in the areas of deterioration of governance, economy, security, political intolerance, worsening social and inter-communal cohesion, poor performance of democratic and electoral structures, declining faith in leadership and those charged with leadership at all levels which have combined to push the country to the edge.
On the way forward, the meeting identified the importance of pulling Nigeria back from the brink and agreed to harness their individual and collective efforts to achieve the set objectives.
The forum also decided to set up panels of experts to discuss, address and make recommendations on Nigeria’s federal structure, devolution of power, responsibilities and resources, security, judicial reforms, electoral reforms and ensuring integrity and credibility of elections.
The attendees resolved to commit themselves to the implementation of agreed reforms and recommendations arising out of the initiative in the speediest and most acceptable process.
Aside representatives of socio cultural organizations mentioned, there were arrays of other high profile individuals present including the Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi who arrived the venue late and described the objective behind the initiative as noble and pledged his support.