The Buhari Media Organisation, BMO, has warned former President Olusegun Obasanjo to desist from fanning the embers of division, and become more circumspect on issues bordering on national unity.
The group stated that there is no basis for Obasanjo’s comparison of the current situation in the country under President Muhammadu Buhari, with what was experienced by Nigerians, before or during the 1967-70 civil war.
Recall that the former President had taken a swipe at the All Progressive Congress, APC-led federal government while addressing audit executives in Abeokuta recently, saying; “When we look at this country today, even during the civil war, we were not as divided as we are now. Today, we are in danger if we don’t take partnership serious. That partnership should be within our people, Africa and the rest of the world.”
Reacting, the BMO, in a statement signed on Saturday by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju, and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, held that a National Leader of Obasanjo’s calibre should not be seen playing up a false narrative, because of his supposed animosity towards President Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement reads, “It has come to our notice that former President Obasanjo has opted to use the platform presented to him by the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria, to again take subtle pot-shot at the Buhari administration.
“In drawing a comparison between the civil war and the current situation in Nigeria, the former President was clearly being mischievous, especially as he did not go into details. So, we wonder what exactly is happening in the country now, that compares with that ugly period in our nation’s history.”
The group noted that the former President did not deliberately expatiate on his comparison, because he only wanted to sow a seed in the minds of unwary Nigerians.
“It is a reflection of Chief Obasanjo’s disappointment, that he was unable to influence the outcome of the February 23, Presidential election, in favour of his preferred Candidate.
“This is the first time since 2007, that the former President cannot authoritatively say he was instrumental to the electoral success of a Nigerian President, so he finds solace in creating the impression of a divided nation.
“Obasanjo could not even deliver his polling unit and ward to his preferred Candidate, he also lost his State to President Buhari. This must have hurt his massive ego tremendously, and he holds Buhari responsible for that. So, it is not surprising that he took that subtle dig at the President, even though he was quoted sometime ago, as saying that he is not yet ready to speak on the 2019 elections.
“We at BMO, believe that as much as the former President has a right to rally support for any Presidential Candidate, we think this is the time to play the role of a Statesman, rather than continually singing the ‘losers anthem’.”
The pro-Buhari group maintained that even if there is tension in the country like in all election years, since 2003, the onus is on elder statesmen and former Presidents, to rise above the fray and calm frayed nerves.
“Having just gone through a major campaign season, and a hard-fought Presidential election, one would expect people like Obasanjo to be at the forefront of efforts to heal the wounds, not to exacerbate the situation, by drawing inaccurate comparison with a part of the Nigerian history that is best forgotten,” BMO said.
