Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the principle of regionalism has continued to bedeviled Nigeria, labelling it the root of Nigeria’s problems.
He made this statement on Tuesday when the League of Northern Democrats visited him in Abeokuta, saying that the principle of regionalism which was adopted at Nigeria’s independence in 1960 was still being coveted today.
“Where a leader hails from does not matter. Rather, what he brings to the table in terms of development and governance should matter,” he told the group led by former Kano state governor, Ibrahim Shekarau.
The former president criticized the name of the group, advising it to become a national league and not a sectarian group.
“One of the things that led us to where we are today, and we haven’t gotten out of, is regionalism.
“Whenever I hear ‘North’, ‘East’ or ‘West’, I get frightened.
“Your name would have been ‘National League of Democrats’, instead of ‘Northern League of Democrats’. But you must start somewhere,” he said.
Obasanjo, nonetheless, noted that the group was right to be concerned about Nigeria.
“But how we correct the wrongs is what should be paramount in our minds.
“Nigeria is greater than all of us and we should see it as a wholistic entity.
“I share your concern, but if you’re a National League, maybe I will join you and even be your Patron if I cannot be active because I’m getting old,” Obasanjo said.
Whilst speaking earlier, Shekarau elucidated that the group was a fusion of like minds of Northern extraction.
The former governor said that the group, which has a membership of 400, came into existence three months ago following the result of various consultations and discussions.
He added that the group wishes to influence political decisions and the process of recruiting leaders at all levels in Nigeria.
Shekarau also said that the issue of credibility and righteousness in leadership have been a challenge across the nation.
“We have analysed the various challenges facing us as a nation and particularly as the largest region, and we have to influence certain decisions in the political landscape.
“There are many issues facing us: issues of insecurity, issues of unity among ourselves, issues of youthful exuberance, and issues of education.
“We also have ussues of making sure our democratic process is sustained and improved upon,” the former Minister of Education added