Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has vowed to do anything possible to safeguard democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
The former President also called on Nigerians not to despair but to join hands in the battle to rescue Nigeria’s democracy.
Obasanjo also said that Dr. Anwar must accept the challenge of trying to write a book on the inside and outside of Buhari administration.
Obasanjo spoke at the public presentation of a book, ‘Politics As Dashed Hopes in Nigeria’ written by Dr. Auwalu Anwar, in Abuja on Thursday.
The occasion was also attended by former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who was represented by former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, represented by his Deputy, Barnabas Bantex; among other dignitaries.
According to Obasanjo, “Dr. Anwar, you will accept the challenge of trying to write a book on the inside and outside of Buhari administration. I thank you for the courage and the research work he had deployed in writing such elusive and comprehensive book.
“I’m not here to review the book. But since the book is about the Congress of Progressives Change, CPC, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Buhari’s political life and activities up to the second year of the Buharii administration, I will touch on three or four points that should be of interest to all of us at this juncture.
“Dr. Anwar pointed out that Buhari served the purpose of galvanizing the votes that sent Jonathan and PDP out of office. Buhari and the APC must get the credit for that which has strengthened our democracy because democracy without opposition is like marriage without a bridegroom.
“But on the midterm scorecard, Dr. Anwar pointed out 3 tangible and significant areas of failure: security, fighting corruption and job creation. As at today, these three areas are still what they were at midterm.
“Not yet a success story. Dr. Anwar touched on another three significant but intangible areas of failure: reciprocal loyalty, exemplary leadership. Well, I can say here that I understand where Dr. Anwar is coming from to get the title of the book.
“But we must replace despair with optimism. I’m not in despair. I ask Dr. Anwar not to be in despair, Our hope lies in democracy. with good governance as one of the hallmarks of free, fair and credible election. Between now and next year, there are four significant countries where elections are taking place in West Africa. Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast.
“In four cases, the opposition had taken over from the incumbent, and this was good for democracy. The world is looking at these four countries to know what will be their contribution cumulatively benefit and strengthen and stabilize democracy. If we cherish democracy, we’ll all guard and protect our fledgeling democracy. And that I believe is the main purpose of Dr. Anwar’s book.
“As for me, I’ll do anything humanly possible to safeguard democracy and good governance for Nigeria and all Nigerians. I’m particularly happy in this respect that most Nigerians are rising up to their duties, obligations and responsibilities in safe guidance of our democracy.
“I commend all those that are standing for the campaign. Remember that if you stand aloof when evil is being perpetrated you become an accomplice in the perpetration of evil. Nigerians must be architects of their own fortunes and future progress.”
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