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Obasanjo warns, 2023 elections may make or break Nigeria
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosting the new President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, on a courtesy visit at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Penthouse residence, Abeokuta, Ogun State, expressed concerns that the 2023 general elections may make or break Nigeria if not watched by religious leaders, elder statesmen and citizens. He warned that if it happens, it will not go well with everyone. According to Obasanjo: “And in the next election, if we do not watch it, it may make or break Nigeria. And I pray that it will make Nigeria.”
The former President, however, expressed optimism that since the Sultan of Sokoto and the CAN President are on the same page, perhaps, the politicians will listen, adding that if the politicians do not listen, may the people will listen.
Former President Obasanjo in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, appealed to religious leaders in Nigeria to make the politicians more responsible.
Obasanjo noted that the Sultan of Sokoto spoke of the new CAN President, Okoh, to him about his personality, noting: “and, I must say, I am impressed. With you and Sultan (who is already singing your praises) you can both make a turn-around; you can work together.”
Obasanjo urged religious leaders to always stand on the truth, saying: “If you stand on the truth, you stand for justice and equity; it is then the politicians will not be able to mess us around, and I will say it with all sense of responsibility now, if we do not watch it, the politicians will wreck this country and we all regret it.”
Dr. Obasanjo blamed Christians for isolating themselves from partisan politics because they feel it is unrighteous. He, however, noted that salvation from the current predicament in the country lies with religious leaders.
According to Obasanjo, “And where can we look for salvation, that is where you religious leaders have a significant role to play.
“I think it’s the mistake of the past (particularly in the Christendom), that we say politics is not for the righteous. Now, if we take the righteous away from politics, and we leave politics to the unrighteous, the unrighteous will smear the righteous with the unrighteousness that they will carry into politics and will have nowhere to go.
“And in the next election, if we do not watch it, it may make or break Nigeria. And I pray that it will make Nigeria.”
Obasanjo said that for having both Sultan of Sokoto and the CAN leader already on same page, “may be our politicians will listen, and if our politicians don’t listen, may be our people will listen,”
The CAN President acknowledged the various roles of the former President in turning around the Christian faith in the country, saying he made valid contributions to Christianity in Nigeria.
Okoh highlighted: “in 1976, he started with the establishment of this association, the CAN and in September 1999, he formed the Inter Religious Faith Council 1999. On the political sector, you set up the National Political Reform Conference, which I am privilege to be a delegate, representing the Christian faith. These were the few I could remember as I was planning for this visit.
“Baba, you have played important roles in the political history of Nigeria and Africa, particularly your current role in the Horn of Africa, where the task is to ensure peace in the region. These are no doubt, valid contributions to Christianity.”
Okoh noted that in the resolutions at the Inter Religious Council meeting held in Lagos, the Council resolved “not to leave the political space to the politicians, that the religious leaders must get involved, not to be partisan, but must give leadership to make sure that the values of our religion are brought to the space to help us to live in peace and work for the unity of the nation, including fighting for justice;” adding, “We are committed to the call Baba made.”
The CAN President was accompanied on the courtesy visit by the CAN Asst General Secretary, Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu; South West Chairman, His Grace, Elder Adeaga; Lagos and Ogun States CAN Chairmen, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, (who also represented Bishop Francis Wale Oke) and Bishop S.T Adegbite.
Others include Ven. Emmanuel Alamajo, Ven. Emmanuel Nnana, Ven. Joseph and Personal Assistant Dr. Victor Isoke.