Nigeria Has Disappointed Black Race, Africa And World At Large – Obasanjo

 

The former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented over the condition of Nigeria.

 

The ex-head of state revealed that disunity has kept the country from achieving greatness and fulfilling its potential as a leading force for the black race.

 

The former Nigerian President emphasized that this disunity has kept the country from achieving greatness and fulfilling its potential as a leading force for the black race.

 

Receiving a 20-member delegation from the League of Northern Democrats on Tuesday, led by former Kano State governor Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, Obasanjo explained that regionalism, which emerged before Nigeria's independence in 1960, is at the root of the country's prolonged lack of cohesion, The PUNCH reports.

 

“The truth is that at independence, Nigeria emerged with three leaders, and so it has been a situation of three countries in one ever since,” he said.

 

Despite these challenges, Obasanjo said he remains optimistic about the future of Nigeria, adding, “As long as we can look back as a country and correct the mistake of the past.”

 

He stressed the importance of merit, capacity, and ability in appointing leaders rather than focusing on regional backgrounds. “It is high time we began working for the national interest,” he noted.

 

Obasanjo continued, “Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you to 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 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,” he added.

 

The former President urged the nation to focus on uniting for progress. He also reflected on the country’s missed opportunities, stating, “When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun, but is that the situation today? We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa, and the world at large.”

 

Obasanjo added that despite the disheartening state of the country, it is not too late to make amends and strive for greatness.

 

“We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria,” he concluded.