By Dansu Peter
A civil society organisation, Save Nigeria Movement(SNM), has called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, not to incite Nigerians against the government of President Mohammadu Buhari.
The organisation at a press briefing in Abuja, reminded the former president that as an elder statesman, his words carry weight and can throw the country into turmoil.
Obasanjo had called on Nigerians not to expect more from President Buhari, in terms of securing the lives of Nigerians.
He said the current administration has not done enough to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
Reverend Solomon Semaka.
Convener of the group, said the plan of the former president is to co-opt other past leaders of the country into his agenda to divide the country.
According to Semaka, rather than seek to divide the country, Obasanjo should join hand with the present government to move the country forward.
He said Obasanjo should speak like a statesman that he is.
''The Save Nigeria Movement is deeply concerned that Obasanjo would choose to inflame passions and raise tensions at this critical point in time when the federal government is consolidating on security. Former President Olusegun is urged to reconsider his personal agenda as it can only jeopardise national security. To this end, the Movement is suspicious of the former president and calls all Nigerians to speak in one voice against him.
''The Save Nigeria Movement is inclined to caution the former president to have a rethink, if his personal intentions will not promote peace and unity in the country.This appeal is also a word of caution that should Obasanjo be bent on heating up the polity and raising tensions, Nigerans will know who to hold him responsible and demand for the laws to take its full course.
''As a citizens and true patriots, we expect nothing but selfless service to the nation and moral support from people like former president Olusegun Obasanjo and not the other way round shamelessly fanning the embers of disunity'', he said.
Rev. Semaka said the former president should be reminded of the pledges he made at each moment this country gave him the opportunity to serve the nation.
He said he believes good conscience will prevail for the right thing to be done.
According to him, Obasanjo has no moral right to be dissatisfied with the modest achievements of president Buhari administration, especially, when he could not do better when Nigerians gave him the opportunity twice as military head of state and civilian president.
He said, ''Indeed, president Buhari has offended many people in the mold of Obasanjo by not joining the league of those who must own a presidential library, an oil well or a multinational farm while in office. Looks like former president Obasanjo truly missed the infamous "third term" where he would have consolidated his full grip on the nation's resources.This is the point of departure between Former President Obasanjo, his cohorts and incubent President Buhari.
''We will not talk about the infamous kidnap of a sitting governor in the south east under the inglorious watch of the seasoned Otta farmer. Nigerians do not want those memories. Obasanjo should seize the moment to re-write history with his words and public conduct.
At least, under president Buhari administration, no such high profile killings are in vogue. No such fanfare over launching of presidential libraries or other bussiness concerns of sort is ongoing unlike under former president Olusegun Obasanjo's regime. Should we begin to review how Obasanjo muzzled Lagos State, the economic nerve center, the heart of Yoruba nation of statutory funds in flagrant disregard for court orders? Which true Yoruba Son worthy of his name would be proud of Obasanjo? Nigerians have had enough of whatever salvage value is left of Mr Obasanjo.
''Nigerians are proud of what president Buhari is doing to rescue the nation from the grip of people like Obasanjo who designated the country as a free zone for corruption for more than a decade.
''At least president Buhari has not mobilized soldiers to demolish communities and kill scores of innocent Nigerians like Obasanjo did in Odi, Bayelsa and Zakibiam, in Benue states respectively during Obasanjo's reign as president.
''Nigerians are indeed asking when former president Obasanjo would be called upon to account for his many sins against his Yoruba kinsmen and Nigerians. This may truly be the moment of judgement.
''President Buhari administration in all sincerity has admitted to challenges and taken steps to secure the nation, all the government needs now is wise counsel and moral support as opposed to acts that could jeorpardise existing efforts in peace and security of the country.''
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