After Calling IBB Fool at 70, Obj and IBB Reconcile, Issue Joint Statement

The duo of former President Obasanjo and former military strongman, Ibrahim Babangida appear to have settled their quarrel of last year when Obj, as Obasanjo is fondly called, called IBB a "fool at 70" afte Babangida criticized his administration for non performance despite huge revenues.

It would be recalled that on his 70th birthday, Babangida gave an interview to newsmen and when asked if he had any regrets in life alluded to the fact that he would've accomplished more in government if he had the type of revenues that accrued to Obj and called the Obasanjo administration a failure. But IBB's whose government was indicted by the Kate economist, Pius Okigbo, for wasting the famous Gulf War Oil Windfall of $12.2 Billion was not soared by Obj.

At that time Obj responded by saying  “When I was the military head of state, I built Jebba dam; built the Shiroro dam. I prepared the foundation of Egbin plant which President Shagari completed and inaugurated. That time the money we were making was not up to the money Babangida was making annually for his eight years and yet we built two dams.

Because it was important, you know that power is the driving force for development and for any developing country.

“But since the building of Egbin power plant, until I came back in 1999, there was not any generating plant for almost 20 years and Babangida spent eight years out of that.

Now, he had the audacity to talk about anybody; I think that is unfortunate.”

Obasanjo added that Babangida’s statement about his government as a civilian was unfortunate, saying the former military president deserved to be pitied rather than be condemned.

“I also read where he said that in his time, he gave the dividends of democracy and at the same time he regretted. When I read that, well I said Babangida should be pitied and shown sympathy rather than anger or condemnation, because the old saying says a fool at 40 is a fool forever and I would say a regret at 70 is regret too late. Well, a regret at 70 is a regret to the grave,” he added.

However, the duo have now kissed and made up with both parties coming together to issue a joint statement on the security situation inn the country which they both signed and which was released to the press yesterday. Below is a full text of the statement;


CALL FOR PEACE, TOLERANCE AND DIALOGUE:-
BEING A JOINT MESSAGE FROM FORMER PRESIDENTS OLUSEGUN OBASANJO AND IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA


Unfolding events in our dear motherland, Nigeria, over the last few years are threatening to unravel the nearly a century old labour of our founding fathers and subsequent generations in building a strong, united, peaceful nation that can accommodate and cater for the needs and aspirations of our diverse communities. Internecine crises are raging across the land unabated with damaging consequences on the social, political and economic life of the nation. And in the process untold hardships are being visited on all citizens in one form or another on a daily basis. The lost of innocent lives being experienced by the day across the nation is simply unbearable. Currently, the nation is gripped by a regime of fear and uncertainty that virtually all citizens have difficulties going about their normal day to day lives without great anxiety and trepidation. This cannot be allowed to continue!

A deeply worrying trend that is emerging from this terrible situation is that a pervasive cynicism is beginning to set in, so much so that millions of true Nigerian patriots are starting to question the platform upon which the unity of this country rests. This is simply untenable. The people of this country must not allow whatever sense of frustration, fear and despair we are experiencing now to supersede our hopes for a collective destiny which lies in our continued existence as a Nation. For us, and we believe for millions of other Nigerians, the continued unity of this nation is not only priceless but non-negotiable.

While we are very much aware of the efforts various governments in the country are making to confront the escalating security challenges across the country, we believe that it is time that these efforts are scaled up to be more involving and inclusive. In this regard, whatever robust security measures are put in place to contain the situation, as is normal in such circumstances, they must be complemented with an equally intensive process of community involvement. We therefore urge all governments in the country, starting with all the 774 local councils to comprehensively engage their communities at the various levels including: elders, youth organisation, trade union and associations, women bodies, the clergy and other community stakeholders. We also call on the Federal and States governments not only to encourage these grassroots engagements for peace and beneficial coexistence but should work out the framework to sustain the engagement. In all these efforts it is important to emphasise that our diversity is a course for celebration not a cause for lamentations.

As the Holy Month of Ramadan commences, Nigerians wherever they are and whatever religion they profess are accorded a great opportunity to turn the tide against insecurity, violence and hatred. Religious leaders, in particular, have an even greater challenge to use the immense virtues of this Holy period to inculcate among the millions of citizens the spirit of mutual respect, humility and forgiveness. Ample opportunities are therefore at hand to bring all armed belligerents to table for meaningful dialogue with the authorities for our future and that of our children and grandchildren.

Finally, we need to reiterate that no meaningful development can ever occur in an atmosphere of violence and hatred. History has shown that any society that is built on the structures of violence and intolerance cannot prosper. We need to appreciate that, God in His infinite mercy, has blessed our country with abundant resources and talents, but we need peace and harmony to harness them not just for our own wellbeing but also that of our children and grandchildren. We owe this future generations of Nigerians this much.

On our part, we are ready to do whatever is possible to promote the quest for peace and harmony. And are ready to join hands with all patriots to sustain and further enhance the unity and progress of this country. Thank you.

Signed.

Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR.