Former Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo has regretted that despite all the opportunities available for Nigeria to lead Africa, it had faltered far too long and disappointed not only the black race but Africa and the world.
“We have disappointed ourselves. We have disappointed the black race, Africa and the world at large. We have rubbished the value of integrity, no truth, no love.”
Obasanjo, who received in audience today, October 22, a 20-member delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, at his Presidential Library in Abeokuta, expressed deep concern over the state of disunity in the country, describing it as a major obstacle preventing Nigeria from achieving its full potential.
According to him, lack of national cohesion has hindered Nigeria from becoming the leading light of the black race, a position it should naturally occupy.
He said however that despite the challenges, he remains an “incurable optimist” about the country’s future, believing that Nigeria can turn things around if it addresses the mistakes of the past.
He advised that the country should prioritize the national interest over sectional considerations, saying, “It is high time we began working for the national interest.
“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. I will be increasing by being a Nigerian rather than being a member of the Republic of Oodua.
“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba…we must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together.
“The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up unto us. When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun but is that the situation today?
Obasanjo said that he shared the concerns of the group for the poor state of things in the country but that the situation is not beyond salvation as long everyone is ready to come together and work as a united nation.
He said that he would forever remain a Pan-Africanist, a patriotic and Nationalistic Nigerian and a proud black man from the black race.
He advised the League of Northern Democrats to consider changing their name to the National League of Democrats because the ideals the group espoused are what cut across the nation.
He said that he would not mind being their patron if he could not be their active member due to old age.
