Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is once again in the news, barely three days after he predicted revolution in the country.
However, the former military Head ofStates this time was not a prophet but a psychologist.
Speaking yesterday on the occasion of the former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme’s 80th birthday, the retired General told Ekwueme that he was close to the “departure lounge”, advising him to devote the rest of his life to his family and the nation.
Ekwueme was born on October 21, 1932, while Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937.
He said, “The only octogenarian on the high table, and I don’t think thereis even another person on the other side of the table, even in the hall (that is up to 80 years).
“My brother and friend, and I think the Senate President regards you as atrue democrat; I will join the others in congratulating you on your recent crossing of the bar.
“But let me just warn you that crossing the bar or becoming 80 sometimes means you are getting nearer the departure lounge.
“I will get into the car park with you,but I won’t go into the departure lounge with you.”
His comments drew laughter from the audience. Ekwueme then whispered words to Obasanjo who in turns replied him in pidgin, “As wecome, na so we go go,” which literally means that those who come to the world first would be the first to die.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Senate President, David Mark;his Deputy Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker of House of
Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha among many others.http://dailypost.com.ng/2012/11/13/obasanjo-80-year-old-ekwueme-you-getting-nearer-departure-lounge/