Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday said he is better off as a Nigerian than a member of the Oodua Republic.

He spoke amid the growing agitation for the creation of the Yoruba nation.

Obasanjo, while receiving a delegation of the League of Northern Democrats led by a former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, identified regionalism practised before the attainment of independence in 1960 as the foundation of the country’s prolonged lack of cohesion.

He advocated merit, capacity and ability to deliver as some of the factors that must be considered in electing or appointing leaders, against the question of which geopolitical zone should produce who or what.

He said: “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 great 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.”

On the state of the nation, he expressed optimism that the present situation is not beyond salvaging, as long as everyone is ready to come together and work as a united nation.

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

Speaking, Shekarau emphasised the urgent need for unity, credible leadership and righteousness in Nigerians politics.

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

He highlighted that the group’s goal is to contribute to the nation’s development, not just within the northern region but across the entire federation.

Mille:
He is free to relocate to anambra and sit-at home every Monday, and every other days the dimwit in Finland deems fit.

Not surprised though. A former president who was against the Southwest during his presidency. Can't even point to any infrastructural development in his home state.

GeneralPula:
Make we just go back to regionalism..

That’s my own..

Brendaniel:



There's no need, just divide the country, our ideologies are not the same, we are not aiming for the same thing....

JASONjnr:
So why is he now inciting that Igbos should give a chance to rule Nigeria when that statement on its own is a tribal division method.

If he's dividing the Nigeria he wants to stand with with his statement, there will be no more Nigeria for him to support.

The same Igbos hate the one Nigeria chants and the same man is giving Igbos his support.

Same Igbos will turn against him tomorrow and insult him when he speaks against their flaws.

GeneralPula:

This is why we should go back to regionalism make every region do hin thing however e want o..

Brendaniel:



It was regionalism that brought the country to where it is today, if we were never one as a country I don't think Nigeria will be where it is today, personally I don't even want to share currency with you people...

Our ideologies are not the same, as long as there is something holding the regions together as a country then I still believe problems might still come up because it has happened before...

Let us avoid all the problems in totality

GeneralPula:

I don’t agree with regionalism brought us to where we are today. Free education started under regionalism. Each region was able to make use of whatever they have to their advantage..

There was nothing like Nepotism! There was nothing like blaming one FG for everything. Regions with growth tendency grew what they could grow..

The only thing is some regions were not productive. They had nothing going on. If we go back to regionalism today, parasitic regions would get exposed..

dre11:



https://dailytrust.com/obasanjo-i-would-rather-belong-to-nigeria-than-oodua-republic/

Brendaniel:


Do you like something that is not working?

If Nigeria is working like other countries making progress, do you think the Igbos will want to leave?

The Igbos have left leadership for you guys for over 50 years and yet see what you guys are doing, if the Igbos decide to go you people will call for war immediately, MNK is still in prison till date while while Wadume a terrorist is free from prison.

OK, the Igbos say they should handle the leadership since you people have failed for over 5 decades, you people still say no.

What exactly do you people want from the Igbos?

Godfullsam:


The only way I will support an igbos presidency is if he will divide the country the very day he assumes office.