Nigerian former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday released a press statement’ where he cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari against re-contesting for the 2019 general elections, among others. In the statement titled “The Way Out: A Clarion Call For Coalition For Nigeria Movement,” Obasanjo raised some issues of national importance.
Below are the top seven things he said:
Buhari Is Weak: Obasanjo acknowledged he knew that President Buhari “is weak in the knowledge and understanding of the economy.” He added: “Although, I know that you cannot give what you don’t have and that economy does not obey military order. You have to give it what it takes in the short-, medium- and long-term.”
Condoning Corruption: He asked Buhari to stop condoning corruption among some inner caucus of the Presidency. “Culture of condonation and turning blind eye will cover up rather than clean up. And going to justice must be with clean hands,” Obasanjo urged the President.
Fulani Herdsmen: He accused the Buhari-led federal government of wittingly or unwittingly allowing the herdsmen and crop farmers’ crisis “to turn sour and messy.” He said: “It is no credit to the Federal Government that the herdsmen rampage continues with careless abandon and without finding an effective solution to it.”
National Security: He said President Buhari’s “poor understanding of the dynamics of internal politics” has affected general national security, thus “wittingly or unwittingly making the nation more divided” and widened the inequality gap.
Don’t Over-Push Your Luck: He advised President Buhari not to “over-push his luck or over-tax the patience and tolerance of Nigerians.”
Dismount From The Horse: He urged President Buhari to honourably “dismount from the horse.” “He needs to have time to reflect, refurbish physically and recoup and after appropriate rest, once again, join the stock of Nigerian leaders whose experience, influence, wisdom and outreach can be deployed on the side line for the good of the country,” Obasanjo counselled.
Coalition for Nigeria (CN) Movement: He canvassed for the creation of a Coalition for Nigeria (CN) Movement which will consist of people who are concerned and willingly-ready for positive and drastic change, progress and involvement “that will give hope and future to all our youth and dignity and full participation to all our women.”
Photo Credit: Getty
