I would rather belong to Nigeria – Obasanjo rejects Oodua Republic

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has condemned the agitation for the creation of the Yoruba nation, saying he’s better off as a Nigerian than a member of the Oodua Republic.

Obasanjo spoke when he received a delegation of the League of Northern Democrats led by a former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, at his residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The elder statesman identified regionalism practised before the attainment of independence in 1960 as the foundation of the country’s prolonged lack of cohesion.

He listed merit, capacity and ability to deliver as some of the important factors that must be considered in electing or appointing leaders, against primordial sentiments such as which geopolitical zone should produce what.

“It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats but how I wish you 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 being a Nigerian. It will be greater to be a Nigerian than to be a member of the Republic of Oodua.

“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.

“The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up to us. 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. So, our concern is right, we have rubbished the value of integrity, no truth, no love but it is not too late to retrace our steps. We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria,” he said.

Obasanjo optimistic about Nigeria

Reflecting on the state of the nation, the former president expressed optimism that the present situation can be salvaged as long as everyone is ready to come together and work towards a united country.

Obasanjo stated that he would forever remain a Pan-Africanist, a patriotic and nationalistic Nigerian and a proud black man from the black race.

For his part, Shekarau stressed the urgent need for unity, credible leadership and righteousness in Nigerian politics.

“This group, made up of ladies and gentlemen from all walks of life, emerged approximately three months ago,” Shekarau said, adding that the group’s formation followed extensive consultations and discussions.

He laid out the group’s goal, which includes a contribution to the nation’s development, not just within the northern region but across the entire federation.