Obasanjo chides Buhari

• Posted on January 21, 2019
• by Ellsamwise King
• Comment

Former president of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo has likened the President Muhammadu Buhari administration as “another (General Sani) Abacha era”.

He made this known in an open letter titled “Point for Concern and Action” which he distributed to journalists at a press conference held at his house in Abeokuta.

“What is happening under Buhari’s watch can be likened to what we witnessed under Gen. Sani Abacha in many ways. When Abacha decided that he must install himself as Nigerian President by all means and at all costs, he went for broke and surrounded himself with hatchet men who on his order and in his interest and at high costs to Nigeria and Nigerians maimed, tortured and killed for Abacha. Buhari has started on the same path in mad desperation,” Obasanjo said.

“Today, another Abacha Era is here. The security institutions are being misused to fight all critics and opponents of Buhari and to derail our fledgling democracy. EFCC, Police and Code of Conduct Tribunal are also being equally misused to deal with those Buhari sees as enemies for criticising him or as those who may not do his bidding in manipulating election results.

“Today, as in the day of Abacha, Nigerians must rise up and do what they did in the time of Abacha. Churches and Mosques prayed. International community stood by us Nigerians. I was a beneficiary and my life was saved. Well-meaning Nigerians took appropriate actions and made sacrifices, some supreme, some less than supreme but God had the final say and He took the ultimate action,” the former president added.

Obasanjo then went on to say, “While Nigeria must appreciate Buhari for the little he has done and allow him to depart for home in peace if he allows peaceful and credible elections, we must also tell ourselves that Nigeria deserves better at this point in time than what Buhari is capable of offering.

“History will note that he has been here; Nigeria now needs a man with better physical and mental soundness with an active mind and intellect.”