I’ll only promote national interest - Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Olusegun has said would not promote any narrow or sectional interest as he remains committed to the nation’s development.

Obasanjo said having “weaned” himself from partisan politics – barely a year ago, he has made the general development of the country or its overall interest, his focus.

The former Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said this yesterday when a delegation of the Okun Development Association (ODA) visited his Presidential Hilltop Estate home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Members of the group appealed to him to assist them regarding the socio-economic and political challenges facing the Okun nation of Kogi State.

But Obasanjo said he will support any group or association whose goals and aspirations tally with his focus on Nigeria’s development and wellbeing.



“I am open to you if it has to do with the issues relating to national interest and development. But, I will not, when it has to do with any interest that is not open or has national interest as its focus.

“Since I have eased myself out of what I will call centre of political activities, I have not eased myself out of the totality of development in Nigeria. This I will welcome and support from any group or association,” Obasanjo said.

The ex – President, however, urged the group to add more value to their community development association.

According to him, people prosper and develop when they engage in agriculture and related businesses in the face of contending demands at the federal, states and local government levels.

“My association, Olaogun Development Association, did not wait for the government to provide water, clinic or build schools.

“You as the leaders should meet regularly to discuss more on the good of the association. I must warn that your work, interest and programme should not conflict with the overall development of the state and country,” he said.

ODA’s Chairman Akere Owoniyi, who led the delegation, urged Obasanjo not to relent in giving advice on matters that affect the country.

“If the change effected during the last presidential election did not take place, one can only imagine what would have become of us as a nation today.

“The present government is confronting the numerous self-inflicted challenges that had slowed down the development of our nation. We must play our part and come to terms with the realities of our time. We, therefore, must join hands with the Federal Government to develop the nation.”