Just ahead of the
presidential election, the former president of
the country, Oluesegun Obasanjo, announces
his resignation from the Peoples Democratic
Party.
Moreover, Chief OBJ orders his aide to tear
intro pieces his membership card.
There were first insinuations that the
prominent Nigerian, whose opinion matters a
lot for the country citizens, might change his
political affiliations. However, Obasanjo stated
clearly that he was not going to join any other
political party, but remain “a statesman both
internally and externally”. He vowed to assist
anyone who is in need of his advice.
He reinstated his position on August 10 while
speaking from his Abeokuta residence.
Interestingly, however, after the elections
Chief Obasanjo seems to have
been too actively involved in Nigeria’s political
life for a partyless man.
Mr Obasanjo has been in the headlines
recently almost as often as President
Muhammadu Buhari. Let us recall some of
the latest occasions and news.
1. August 7
Chief Obasanjo held a closed-door meeting
with President Buhari. Details were not made
public,but sources disclosed that it had been
connected with the earlier visit by Turai
Yar’Adua to OBJ when she allegedly
complained to the elder statesman about
having problems with “Buhari people”.
2. August 3 report
Obasanjo insisted that the immediate past
coordinating minister of the economy, Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala, had changed under the regime
of Goodluck Jonathan.
“But take Ngozi (Okonjo-Iweala), who worked
for me. And who worked competently for me.
Because I know Ngozi’s weaknesses, but I know
her strong points. Her strong point is technical
competence. But Ngozi needs to be led and to
be supervised. Now will you comment on Ngozi
who worked for me as the same Ngozi who
worked for Jonathan? Will you?”
3. August 4
The former president outlined the major
problems he faced during his term in
office. He said that bunkering and vandalism
were the “most challenging problems” and he
therefore insured the institutionalisation of the
NSCDC through an act of Parliament to deal
with the issue.
4. July 27
Obasanjo met with the new Ogun police
commissioner, following which he urged
Nigerians to fully assist the country police to
allow its staff to effectively fulfill their duties.
5. July 21
The ex PDP member alleged during the
interview on Channels TV that Goodluck
Jonathan paid some people to attack him over
his controversial autobiography “My Watch”.
It should be noted that the book contains
quite a number of unfavourable comments
about GEJ and the weaknesses of his
administration.
These are just some of the reports about
Obasanjo speaking up on various topics,
sharing his thoughts and meeting with country
seniors… The recent development can be
indicative of the following:
1. Obasanjo has passed a vote of confidence
to President Muhammadu Buhari and is open
to provide full assistance to the new
government. Considering the escalating
conflict between Obasanjo and Jonathan, it
was not possible for the two politicians to
cooperate, even though they belonged to one
and the same party.
2. OBJ is simply fulfilling his duties as a
Nigerian who vowed to remain helpful and
open for those who need his advice. The case
might be not about Buhari and his way of
change, but about the political change in
general.

www.naij.com/514529-obasanjo-although-partyless-still-active.html

Ehn ehn...

Baba is just enjoying his time while it lasts,