Godswill A Judins: Former Nigeria's leader Olusegun Obasanjo said he
is not going to reply to President Goodluck
Jonathan's latest written addition to the Obasanjo-
Jonathan war of words. He has fulfilled his desire
to point out the sailent issues to Jonathan, the
former President explained, and pledged not to
elaborate on the content of the letter.
The former President Obasanjo's aide Tunde
Oladunjoye briefed the press today at the Hilltop
residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Although the Obasanjo has received numerous
requests both from local and international media to
comment to Jonathan's letter, he opted to fulfill his
own promise to maintain silence. However,
Obasanjo did explain he does not want to dignify
President Goodluck Jonathan with a reply, as he
had performed "his duty to the president, the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Nigeria with
his December 2 letter."
It will be recalled that Obasanjo had, in the 18-page
letter, accused the incumbent President of
failing to deliver on his electoral promises, to
promote national unity, check corruption and
strengthen national security;
planning to renege on his promise to spend one
term of four years in office and of training a killer
squad ahead of the 2015 general elections.
In his reply to Mr. Obasanjo's "distinctly ominuous"
message, the President, in a letter dated December
20, slammed the former President, and listed 10
reasons for replying Mr. Obasanjo. He defined the
former President's letter as an attempt to instigate
people from other regions against him and cause
disaffection within the ruling PDP.
However, in his letter, dated December 2 and titled
'Before It's Too Late,' Obasanjo stated he was
ready for any backlash from the Presidency, and
vowed to "maintain serenity."
"Since the publication of the letter written by the
President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed
Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo, we have received several
requests from local and international media asking
to know Chief Obasanjo's reaction to Mr President's
response," Obasanjo's statement read.
"One, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledges Mr
President's letter/response. However, Baba, as he
already indicated in his December 2, 2013 letter,
does not wish to make further comments beyond
the contents of his last letter to Mr President or
react to the said letter/response from Dr Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan.
"Two, let me reiterate here that Chief Olusegun
Obasanjo, GCFR, has tremendous respect for the
office of the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
"Chief Olusegun Obasanjo sincerely appreciates all
of you, my cherished colleagues; gentlemen and
women of the media profession, who have been
very upright, ethical and robust on the subject
matter," Mr. Oladunjoye concluded.
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