Night of Praise-singing for Obasanjo

Nigeria is God’s special creation for the service of its citizens and those of other nations, especially in Africa, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said in Lagos Monday, at a birthday bash at the Civic Centre, that turned more of a night of praise-singing for him.

“What we are is not for ourselves alone,’’ Obasanjo said at a reception hosted in his honour by his children and grandchildren to mark his 75th birthday.

Guests at the well-attended reception included Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Others were serving and former state governors, ministers and top government functionaries as well as captains of industry.

“’When we act as Nigerians, or fail to act, it reflects not only on us but on all of us in West Africa, Africa and beyond,’’ Obasanjo said.

“There is no reason, no explanation, and no excuse for this country not to be great. If every one of us can make contributions that will make the country great, I will be greatly fulfilled.’’
In apparent reaction to the acknowledgement by Liberian President Johnson Sirleaf of Nigeria’s peace keeping roles, especially in West Africa, Obasanjo declared: “If we have done anything, …to me, it is enlightened self interest.’’

“If things are bad in Nigeria, there will be implications. That is why we should not let anything bad happen here. We have all it takes to be a great nation.’’

Obasanjo thanked all those who attended the ceremonies marking his birthday, including the two West African leaders and his deputy while in office, former Vice-President Abubakar.

Abubakar, accompanied by his wife, Titi, and a retinue of political associates and aides described Obasanjo as “not just my boss, but my only boss’’.

He said the former president treated him with fondness while he served, stressing: “never mind the agreements and disagreements which are normal in any human relationship’’.
“Today, we are here not to celebrate him, but to celebrate Nigeria for having a leader like him.’’

Atiku said that his robust presence at the ceremony was to express “goodwill, reverence and support’’ for the sterling qualities Obasanjo had offered the country.

Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf commended Obasanjo for his “early endorsement of democracy that is sweeping’’ through the African continent.

“We (including President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone, who was in attendance) are here on behalf of the West African leadership to honour him for the leadership he has exhibited; his suggestions; his advice and sometimes criticisms,’’ she said.

“We honour him for the peace that reigns in our countries; his courage and commitment where there was no one else there,’’ Sirleaf said, recalling the war that ravaged her country and Sierra Leone.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs minister, Gbenga Ashiru, recalled Nigeria’s pariah state status before the return of democracy under President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

He said Obasanjo’s magic wand in diplomatic circles opened the flood gate of visits by foreign dignitaries to Nigeria leading to the risen profile of the country.

Ashiru said Obasanjo’s efforts brought integrity to Nigeria and Nigerians benefited from the goodwill.

Senate President David Mark described the former president as one “filled with the milk of human kindness’’ who had given his life in the service of Nigeria.

Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River said Obasanjo was a great man “truly deserving of celebration’’.
Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom also said at the reception that Obasanjo “is father of modern Nigeria’’ and architect of the anti-corruption institutions in the country, a claim that will bewilder the legion of Obasanjo’s critics in Nigeria.