Date Published: 01/21/10

Dear Editor,

This is not the time to blame Obasanjo

I am one of those that do not like the former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, one bit. I saw him as a man who came, saw, and wasted time that led to our worsened situation. But there is something one cannot take away from him: He was the instrument used by God to steady us democratically. Therefore, I would like us to continue to appreciate God for whatever our position is today because it could have been worse.

Obj forced on us the ailing President Yar’Adua; yes we all seem to believe so, but what one would say now is that it was an act of God otherwise He was able to adjust what we perceived as Obj’s action. Let bygone be bygone; let us look at the future with maturity. For instance can you imagine former Governor Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom State who many felt was at dagger-drawn with Obasanjo when they were in government say in his recent interview that “ Yar’Adua, our presidential candidate then challenged you to a game of squash and no one took him on it? So, how do you want me to believe that he was not physically fit to be president? Let me tell you from a completely different point of view from the people who say they are blaming Obasanjo for bringing Yar’Adua. For me, that is nonsense. You can condemn Obasanjo for his cynicism if he knew the health condition and brought him but you can only blame all of us because Obasanjo had only one vote on that day. If you did not want him (Yar’Adua), why did you vote for him to be president? I think the matter should end there”. What more can one add if all should think Attah’s way as a show of maturity and sincerity that can only move the nation forward; because that is what we need at this time. Obasanjo may be regretting his supposed action by now, I believe. We should avoid apportioning blames; we need to move forward.

Mr. Dagogo Kenneth, Bukuru Jos, Plateau State ( dagogok@yahoo.com )