Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the principle of
regionalism has continued to plague the country, describing it as the root of
Nigeria’s problems.
Obasanjo stated this on Tuesday in Abeokuta when the League
of Northern Democrats paid him a courtesy visit.
He noted that the principle of regionalism, which was
adopted at Nigeria’s independence in 1960, is still being craved today.
Speaking to the group led by former Kano State Governor
Ibrahim Shekarau, the ex-president said where a leader hails from does not
matter, but what he brings to the table in terms of development and governance.
Obasanjo, who faulted the name of the group, advised it to
become a national league rather than a sectarian group, noting that the group
was right to be concerned about Nigeria.
“One of the things that led us to where we are today, and we
haven’t gotten out of, is regionalism.
“Whenever I hear ‘North,’ ‘East,’ or ‘West,’ I get
frightened.
“Your name would have been ‘National League of Democrats’
instead of ‘Northern League of Democrats.’ But you must start somewhere,” he
said.
Earlier in his remarks, Shekarau had explained that the
group was an amalgamation of like minds of Northern extraction.
He disclosed that the group, which has a membership of 400,
came into existence three months ago as a result of various consultations and
discussions.
The former state governor said the group seeks to influence political decisions and the process of recruiting leaders at all levels in Nigeria.
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