Charity, they say, begins at home. I start this series from my homeland. And for very good, topical reason. We are in the election build up to 2007. The president and most of the governors are in their last and final term according to the 1999 constitution which brought them into office.
A long overdue review, inexplicably delayed for all of 7 years, is now being railroaded in what many believe is a blatant attempt at self-perpetuation in office. Beneficiaries? The president and the governors, who are preponderantly of his political party. Losers? Nigerians and the new democratic project.
If I were Olusegun Obasanjo, I will address the nation tonight and reaffirm my oath to protect, preserve and defend Nigeria, her democracy and best heritage. I will forswear and disown the ogre of "Third Term", and slay the dragon of instability it is now breeding in the land. Here is why......
A. The question of legacy. What should Obasanjo be noted and remembered for? Development or Democracy; Unity or Disintegration?
B. Personal Status and Stature. What does the president crave? Tallness of the "Political Iroko" hue? Or diminution of the "Perishable Sunflower" glow?
C. National Image and Black World's Leadership. Does he want to assure the continuity of our "Right & Rising" glory? Or lead Nigeria back to its "Past Pariah" ignominy?
D. The Crowd. Which group is Obasanjo listening to? Or instigating? The sane one? Or the sycophantic one? The voice of dispassionate sincerity or that of self-serving sentiments?
E. History. Has the president checked and rechecked the past? Even the recent past? He should. All those who supported his unjust conviction and jailing by a former dictator, who also sought life-presidency, are now beating the same drums for him! Many of those who came back to disown and betray former sit-tight dictators are now in the president's corner!! Bet, their leopard will never change its spots!!!
If I were President Obasanjo, I will seize the moment. At 70 years in 2007, it will be an oddity and deficit payback (to a nation that gave him so much!) for this president to be blocking others, especially the younger generations, from serving their country at the highest position in political governance. Even he would be the first to admit that Nigeria is blessed with lots of well-exposed, superior-educated, highly successful professionals and businesspeople as well as some decent politicians, who can and should lead their country into the new millennium. It is fraudulent, dishonest, immoral and unpatriotic to claim otherwise - as some "Third Term" proponents are trumpeting. See the sterling performance of Dr Iyabode Obasanjo-Bello, the president's first daughter, as Health Commissioner in Ogun State! And, for that matter, the cerebral and courageous (if impolitic!) press interviews/friendly chatters of his son, Gbenga.
If I were the president, nothing will stand between me and my Christian faith and Christ-like fidelity. My Jesus - the Saviour, Lord & Master - left at the appointed time (despite all temptations at Gethsemane!!!). To ensure continuity, he assured His disciples of the bestowal of the Comforter (Holy Spirit), which will guide them....To do even greater things than He(Jesus, The Christ) did!!!
Remember: Jesus, in overcoming the flesh, declared "Father, thy will be done!". If I were Chief Matthew Okikiola Olusegun Obasanjo, by the grace of God and the will of Nigerians, President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will seize the moment. And in this surprise broadcast, tagged Special Presidential Address For A Greater Nigeria, I will thus declare: Fellow Nigerians, May Your Will Be Done. This Day, I Proclaim A Vacancy In The Presidency Of Our Dear Country, Come May 2007. Let The Race For A Worthy Successor Commence! God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria. A Blessed NIGERIA.
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