Obasanjo, spoke at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat in Enugu State, when he and leader of the apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, signed a condolence register opened for First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said there is nothing to threaten him with in his choice of presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.
Obasanjo, spoke at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Secretariat in Enugu State, when he and leader of the apex Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, signed a condolence register opened for First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.
He said, “I have shed my blood for this country. I have gone to prison for this country. So, what are you going to frighten or threaten me with? The only thing that my senior brother (Adebanjo) hasn’t done is that he hasn’t shed his blood but he has gone to prison but we will leave that aside.”
Describing the problem of Nigeria as more of national than ethnic, former president, reiterated his avowed commitment to enthroning a new Nigeria, stating that the country did not just need a president at this critical time, but yearning for a leader with character.
“The problem we have in our hands in Nigeria is not ethnic. It is national. And for me, the most important thing in a leader is character. The problem we have had is that we have not had a leader with the right type of character that they should be trusted with the leadership role.
“So, if I put my hand on someone, it means that comparing with the other, I see that there is merit that will be of benefit to Nigeria. And I believe that Chief Adebanjo stands for the same thing,” he stated.
Obasanjo while signing the condolence register described Mbazulike as an authentic Nigerian patriot and the last of the titans, while Adebanjo said he was a true Nigerian who fought from youth for a country where equity, justice and fairness reigned.
They regretted that foremost nationalist was not able to witness the new Nigeria that he laboured for decades.
The Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, was also around to sign the register.
The elder statesman died November 1, this year at 93.
