Former Nigerian President, Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo said he would not stop criticising President Muhammadu
Buhari until he does “what is right.” Obasanjo who pointed out that
criticism remains an integral part of democracy, said he had nothing
personal against Buhari and his government.
He was reacting to
the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, who
implored Obasanjo to play down attacks on the President upon clocking
82.
The duo spoke at the 82nd birthday anniversary celebration of
Obasanjo held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in
Abeokuta.
The first class Monarch who served as a military
officer during the military administration of Muhammadu Buhari between
1983 and 1985, referred to Buhari as his boss.
While describing
Obasanjo as a warrior, Alake said: “At 82 years of age, I think you
should keep your sword more rather than use it always.”
But
Obasanjo, in a swift reaction, told the Monarch that he remains Buhari’s
boss, saying having served as President, he could criticise his
government when the need arises.
Obasanjo said “If I say anybody
in government in Nigeria or any government for that matter is not doing
well, let that government prove that it is well. It’s not anything
personal.
“So, Kabiyesi (referring to Alake of Egbaland) your
boss, Buhari; there is nothing personal between me and him. Just as he
is your boss, I am his boss, with all due respect.
“Now, the
point is that I have been in that position longer than any Nigerian will
ever be there. That’s true. If any Nigerian comes in and have two
terms, he will not have almost four years of military rule. So, I have
been there longer than any Nigerian would ever be there.
“So,
when I say something, I know what I am talking about. Kabiyesi (Alake)
anytime you say, “leave my boss alone,” I say “he is your boss”. But I
am also his (Buhari) boss. So, you might also ask your boss (Buhari) to
leave his boss alone or do what it right that his boss wants him to do.”
The
guest lecturer at the birthday celebration, who is a South African
Freedom fighter, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, delivered a lecture titled
“Colonialism, Apartheid, Freedom and South-Africa Rising”. Buthelezi, in his lecture, identified corruption as the biggest challenge facing the African continent
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