I’ll choose Nigeria over Oodua republic, says Obasanjo

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo says he would remain a Nigerian than be part of an Oodua republic.

Obasanjo spoke while hosting a delegation from the league of northern democrats, who were led by Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano state.

The event held on Tuesday at Obasanjo’s Abeokuta residence in Ogun state. 

There have been secessionist agitations in the south-east and south-west regions in recent times.

Obasanjo described the regionalism practised before Nigeria’s independence as the root cause of the nation’s prolonged disunity.

He argued that merit, competence, and capability should be the key considerations when electing or appointing leaders, rather than focusing on which geopolitical zone a potential leader hails from.

“It is high time we began working for the national interest,” he said. 

“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 retired general added that Africa and the world expect more from Nigeria, and lamented the nation’s failure to live up to its early promise.

“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?” Obasanjo asked.

“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.”