BE BATTLE READY TO SACK BUHARI IN 2019, OBASANJO TELLS ‘THIRD FORCE’ MEMBERS
BE
BATTLE READY TO SACK BUHARI IN 2019, OBASANJO TELLS ‘THIRD FORCE’ MEMBERS
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Former
president, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Saturday, called on members of the Coalition
for Nigeria Movement (CNM) to be battle ready to take over power in 2019,
stressing that they should propagate the need for all qualified electorates to
obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ahead of the poll.
Mr
Obasanjo made this known at the inauguration of the Oyo State Chapter of the
movement, held at Trans Amusement Park, Ibadan, stressing that the members
should have it in their hearts that in the struggle to redeem Nigeria, they
would be threatened.
“Everybody
must be determined to rescue Nigeria, it may not be easy, however, the God who
performed wonders sometime ago, will again perform wonders. We have (seen), in
this country, where five political parties endorsed a single person and God was
laughing and knew what he would do. If we are leaving everything to God, we
must do our best. Get your PVCs and encourage others.”
He
emphasised that in view of this, they should be focused and determined, stating
that only cowards run away from the war front. He however, assured them that as
the founder of the movement, he would not neglect them when he is needed.
“Take
note, they will threaten you, but don’t be discouraged. It is only cowards who
run away from the war front. Having gone this far, I won’t leave you dry. Get
your PVC. I don’t think anybody can threaten me again. Remember I have been to
prison for an offence I do not know anything about,” Mr Obasanjo emphasised.
The
founder of the movement reiterated that the group was established to rescue
Nigeria from its present worrisome condition after deep thought and reasonable
consultation, stressing that “this time we have started to do things right.”
Mr
Obasanjo had urged President Muhammad Buhari in a public letter not to seek
reelection in 2019, saying the president had failed.
The
former leader said the ruling APC and main opposition PDP were no options for
the country, and vowed to lead a “third force” to put a new administration in
place.
“I
don’t think at my age, I should continue to complain and not find solution. It
came in my statement on the 3rd of January that CNM was made out of the reality
of the situation in Nigeria, deep thought and reasonable consideration. CNM is
to find solution to the situation we have found ourselves.”
Mr
Obasanjo also noted that if anybody wants this situation to continue, such
person needs his head examined, pointing out that such characters should not be
seen as friends of the masses nor of the country at large.
“If
anybody wants this situation to continue, his head must be examined. Those of
you who have been victimized by the situation and want the situation to
continue can’t be friends of Nigeria.”
He also
disclosed that at the appropriate time the movement will go into alliance with
other movements of like minds. He tasked the executive of the movement across
the country to ensure that the youth are given pride of space, with a view that
they should be given 30 per cent and women 30 per cent in all organs of the
movement.
In his
welcome speech, the state coordinator of the movement, Olayiwola Olakojo, noted
that Mr Obasanjo is a force to be reckoned with in all ramifications, one who
loves democracy and Nigeria as a nation, with his heart.
‘He is
indeed our Messiah. Kindly reflect on all his involvements in all governments,
globally and nationally. He is indeed the father of modern Nigeria. As the
foremost statesman, he has always wanted the best for Nigeria. His comments and
observations on the past and present administration are just for the progress
and development of our country,” Mr Olakojo, a former Secretary to the Oyo
State Government, said.
Meanwhile,
notable chieftains of the movement at the event include; Olagunsoye Oyinlola,
Taofeek Arapaja, Oyewole Fasawe and Hammed Raji, among others.