Obasanjo: Lack of continuity a major Nigerian problem

Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigerian president, says lack of continuity is among the major problems affecting Nigeria.

Speaking at his hill top residence in Abeokuta on Tuesday when he played host to Ade Abolurin the former corp commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Obasanjo advised Nigerians to address the development.

He identified bunkering and vandalism as challenges that confronted his eight-year tenure as president, saying he empowered the NSCDC to assist in checkmating the illicit activities.

“Some of the things that I had to confront during my tenure as president of Nigeria were pipeline vandalism, holdup, and stealing of crude oil,” he said.

“That stealing is what they call bunkering; there is nothing like bunkering, it is outright stealing. We used all the available agencies and resources; and your organisation as a voluntary organisation, unpaid, unremunerated, unrecognised and not institutionalised, was doing great job without being armed and without being equipped.

“That meant the height of commitment, nationalism, patriotism and service to fatherland and service to humanity and I am very, very proud of that.

“Of course, I didn’t hesitate to move ahead for an act of parliament to be able to organise you into what you are today.”

He commended Abolurin for leading the organisation to an enviable height, expressing hope that his successor would be able to maintain, if not improve on the standard left behind.

“One of the major problems of this country is lack of continuity. I hope in your own case and this organisation, there would be continuity; continuity not for the man coming after you to do everything exactly like you have done it,” he said.

“It is not possible even if the person coming after you is your biological son, he wouldn’t do everything the way you would want to do it.

“As I am talking to you, I am also talking to your successor and I believe that where you have taken this organisation to, those coming after you will be able to build over it.”

Obasanjo said attributes like value, integrity, commitment, patriotism were essential and should be preserved and maintained.

“Those cherished values and virtues that you have maintained in this organisation should be maintained,” he said.

Earlier, Abolurin, an indigene of Abeokuta, said he escaped several attempts to assassinate him while office.

“The journey was rough, tough and challenging but I was able to stand tall and I am returning a champion and conqueror,” he said, promising to stay in touch with his successor.