Obasanjo writes Buhari, urges him to repair the nation

*Ex-Nigerian leader says much harm done already to national institutions, including the military

Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta

Obasanjo: asks Buhari to repair the nation

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the new President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari over his election.

Obasanjo, who rightly predicted Buhari’s victory, in a letter to the President-elect, stated that his success and victory after three previous unsuccessful attempts, must be great object lessons for him and for all politicians, particularly in Nigeria.

“For me, the totality of 2015 elections hold many lessons for our democracy and democratisation process which are both maturing.”

“On this occasion, the system has been unnecessarily overheated before and particularly during the campaigns when emphasis was more on trivialities and hate, divisive, undignifying and disrespectful statements and comments rather than on pressing issues requiring attention”,Obasanjo said.

“With so much harm already done to many national institutions, including the military, which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to do on institution reform, education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agribusiness, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption. Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead.”

He urged the President-elect to be magnanimous in his victory, and “to start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaign and the evil disciples.

“With so much harm already done to many national institutions, including the military, which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to do on institution reform, education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agribusiness, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption. Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead.

“I am also sure that there are men and women of goodwill, character and virtue across the board that you can mobilise to join hands with you in the reform, repairs and re-direction that will be imperative to put Nigeria back on the fast lane of good governance, unity, cohesiveness, development and progress.

“Once again, I felicitate with you and wish you well,” Obasanjo submitted.

View Comments (2)

  • My advice to the newly president elect is that he shuold be careful in choosing his ministers and other people that will work with him .God bless Nigeria.

  • OBJ has said it all. The President elect Gen Buhari will have a lot to do on institution reform, education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agribusiness, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption. Buhari's election is victory for democracy and Nigerians.