Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday called on Nigerians to work for the greatness of the country.
He made the call in Abeokuta while receiving members of the League of Northern Democrats led by a former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau in his presidential Library home.
“We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
Obasanjo attributed regionalism as the real beginning of the nation’s socioeconomic and political challenges.
He believes the country has remained fragmented for too long, a situation which has stifled the socioeconomic and political development of the country.
The former President expressed optimism that despite the challenges Nigeria is going through currently, the nation can be better Nigerian if the citizens can get the issue of right leadership to provide the necessary impetus for the socioeconomic and political development of the country.
“Yes, you have identified your group as 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 Nigerianess. I will be increasing by being a Nigerian rather than being 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 African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up unto us. When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun but is that the situation today?” he questioned.
