Former President, Olusegun
Obasanjo, has vowed to do anything possible to safeguard democracy and good
governance in Nigeria.
The former President also called
on Nigerians not to despair but to join hands in the battle to rescue Nigeria’s
democracy.
Obasanjo also said that Dr. Anwar
must accept the challenge of trying to write a book on the inside and outside
of Buhari administration.
Obasanjo spoke at the public
presentation of a book, ‘Politics As Dashed Hopes in Nigeria’ written by Dr.
Auwalu Anwar, in Abuja on Thursday.
The occasion was also attended by
former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic
Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who was represented by former Governor of
Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam
Nasir El-rufai, represented by his Deputy, Barnabas Bantex; among other
dignitaries.
According to Obasanjo, “Dr.
Anwar, you will accept the challenge of trying to write a book on the inside
and outside of Buhari administration. I thank you for the courage and the
research work he had deployed in writing such elusive and comprehensive book.
“I’m not here to review the book.
But since the book is about the Congress of Progressives Change, CPC, the All
Progressives Congress, APC, and Buhari’s political life and activities up to
the second year of the Buharii administration, I will touch on three or four
points that should be of interest to all of us at this juncture.
“Dr. Anwar pointed out that
Buhari served the purpose of galvanizing the votes that sent Jonathan and PDP
out of office. Buhari and the APC must get the credit for that which has
strengthened our democracy because democracy without opposition is like
marriage without a bridegroom.
“But on the midterm scorecard,
Dr. Anwar pointed out 3 tangible and significant areas of failure: security,
fighting corruption and job creation. As at today, these three areas are still
what they were at midterm.
“Not yet a success story. Dr.
Anwar touched on another three significant but intangible areas of failure:
reciprocal loyalty, exemplary leadership. Well, I can say here that I
understand where Dr. Anwar is coming from to get the title of the book.
“But we must replace despair with
optimism. I’m not in despair. I ask Dr. Anwar not to be in despair, Our hope
lies in democracy. with good governance as one of the hallmarks of free, fair
and credible election. Between now and next year, there are four significant
countries where elections are taking place in West Africa. Nigeria, Senegal,
Ghana and Ivory Coast.
“In four cases, the opposition
had taken over from the incumbent, and this was good for democracy. The world
is looking at these four countries to know what will be their contribution
cumulatively benefit and strengthen and stabilize democracy. If we cherish
democracy, we’ll all guard and protect our fledgeling democracy. And that I
believe is the main purpose of Dr. Anwar’s book.
“As for me, I’ll do anything
humanly possible to safeguard democracy and good governance for Nigeria and all
Nigerians. I’m particularly happy in this respect that most Nigerians are
rising up to their duties, obligations and responsibilities in safe guidance of
our democracy.
“I commend all those that are
standing for the campaign. Remember that if you stand aloof when evil is being
perpetrated you become an accomplice in the perpetration of evil. Nigerians
must be architects of their own fortunes and future progress.”
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