So much has been said about former president Olusegun Obasanjo and his style of leadership. I must confess that some of the things said about him are not particularly pleasant to a self acclaimed Father of Modern Nigeria. It is agreed that as a mortal being, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is not infallible. But not all mistakes are excusable.
When Chief Olusegun Obasanjo ascended the thrown in 1999, he was held in high esteem by most Nigerians possibly because of the surrounding circumstances then. He made some political statements that made it even more evident that he was fully prepared to move the nation forward. The war against corruption and the principle of due process were among his cardinal principles. In his own word, “The war against corruption is total and it would be fought no matter whose ox is gored”. He had all it took to put Nigeria on the right course. Unfortunately, he wasted this golden opportunity.
To be fair to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, he made some giant strides that were capable of returning Nigeria to her past glory. Even though some of these policies were carryover from previous regimes, the fact that they were given recognition and prominence by Obasanjo he deserved to be praised. I think Obasanjo started to derail the very moment he contemplated his ignoble third term agenda. At that point, he tagged all dissenting voices as his enemies and all viable projects and policies were no longer pursued with zeal and vigour.
As at the Chief Obasanjo still held sway at Aso Rock, serious allegations of corruption, flagrant abuse of the rule of law, mismanagement of national resources were leveled against him. Against all expectations, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo offered himself to EFCC for probe. EFCC under Nuhu Ribadu gave Obasanjo a clean bill. To Ribadu then, the best thing that ever happened to Nigeria was that Obasanjo offered himself to rule us. I, for once, never expected a contrary verdict from Ribadu. In essence, Ribadu’s probe was inconsequential.
However, the current mind boggling revelations coming out of the power sector and FCT administration probes, which the eagle eye of EFCC under Ribadu could not see, are enough reasons to compel ‘Saint’ Obasanjo of yesterday to come forward to give account of his stewardship. At least, if for nothing, it will afford him the opportunity to clear his name and/or set the record straight. It must be remembered that these probes are but a tip of an iceberg. Other areas like NNPC, mismanagement of excess crude, aviation intervention fund, deductions from external reserves etc may soon come under the searchlight of the National Assembly or some other body.
It is in the usual character of this Animal called Man to do the unexpected. Obasanjo should offer himself for probe to prove to the whole world that the Obasanjo of today is no different from the Obasanjo of ten years ago. This is a challenge and I do not expect anything short of this from the strong man of Otta. After all, the National Assembly is dominated by his party men and therefore, witch-hunting should not be imagined.
Mohammed Ali Jnr.
Plot 225, Golf Course Close
Ungwar Rimi Road
Kaduna
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