RE: OBJ's New Year Message

 

By Tunde IMOLEHIN 

Some Nigerians have incredible passion for petition and letter writing. Many people have been victims of both while the nation has gained much less. Reasons are not far fetched. Both passions are borne out of personal rather than patriotic sentiments.

 Tony Momoh of blessed memory was a well-known letter writer. He was arguably more famous for his "letter to my countrymen" than all the prominent positions he occupied while alive. Olusegun Obasanjo, two-time leader of Nigeria is another famous letter writer. Their letters speak to Nigerians on contemporary issues, advancing causes or seeking solutions to problems and challenges.

The recent letter by the latter, released as a new year message, spoke largely to the state of the nation, particularly the next general elections in February, this year and already, typical of his literary works, it has started generating attention. I also noted lately that New Year's messages to the nation have become an all comers affair.

The meat of Obasanjo's letter is his public endorsement of Peter Obi as his candidate for the next Presidential Election which Bayo Onanuga, veteran journalist and APC Presidential Campaign Director of Media and Publicity had already written off in his prompt response. For me, I consider the letter largely unnecessary, divisive, avoidable and offensive. 

First, the youth do not need those who have consistently denied them opportunities to lead this country to advise them on who to vote for in the next elections. The Youths are now very enlightened politically to advance their causes going forward. The opportunity provided by the Buhari Administration in the "Not too Young to Run" bill has galvanised the Nigerian youth to be actively involved more than ever before in the affairs of the nation.

Second, in his defence and recommendation of Peter Obi, the former President said in his letter: "One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost. In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary" 

So, in a nutshell, is OBJ advocating for a President that is vulnerable and easy to manipulate? Is that the kind of President the youth and the Nigerian people deserve? Another Umar Yar A'dua or Goodluck Jonathan?

Third, on age, fitness and mental capacity, how did OBJ arrive at the conclusion that a 61-year old OBI is fitter, mentally suited to lead Nigerians than his older, more experienced competitors. Our former President should remember that were it not for the botched third term agenda, we probably may still be dealing with the issue of age and performance under his Presidency.

Nigeria and indeed Nigerians have come of age. What Nigerians need is an enabling environment to vote their choice without fear, favour or undue influence. If OBJ must offer advice, it should  be about strengthening the institutions that will ensure free and fair elections. As a retired army General, he should offer advice on how to address the threatening insecurity in the land. He should use his revered position as a statesman to rein in on the warlords and their sponsors who are hell bent on scuttling the electoral process despite all the efforts being made by the Buhari Administration to ensure free, fair and credible elections come February. 

It is gratifying to note that the former President acknowledges that none of the contestants is a saint. Sainthood is the exclusive preserve of GOD ALMIGHTY. If the Presidency of the nation were to be decided on account of Sainthood, none of those that have led the country particularly since 1999 including OBJ would have passed.

 What the country needs now is a President who is experienced, patriotic, passionate and knowledgeable about the needs of the country. Nigeria needs a true builder of men and resources. Nigeria needs a bold, courageous (not a puppet), detribalised set of leaders to move Nigeria forward. 

OBJ himself admitted in his letter that the campaign has so far been smooth, engaging and civil. Every Presidency has its own needs, challenges and strategies. As the former President himself admitted, we cannot rely on the 1999-2007 Presidential template for 2023. In the 2023 elections, Presidential Candidates will rely on their experiences and expertise to deliver. This is where the APC ticket would appeal to not a few because of the very glaring successes in Borno and Lagos States.

 If the former President strongly wants his mentee to be in the saddle, why not Atiku Abubakar? 

With due respect to the retired General, let the people decide who should be their President. If they fail, GOD forbid, it's their choice. The people get the leaders they deserve.

Tunde IMOLEHIN, Founder of THE VANGUARD PROGRESSIVES FORUM wrote in from Abuja.