By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that he does not affiliate with any political party, identifying himself instead as a “no-party statesman.”
His declaration comes amidst the challenges Nigeria is currently facing, which he acknowledged during a recent event. However, Obasanjo also expressed a message of hope and resilience for the Nigerian people.
The statement was made on Saturday during a special thanksgiving service held at the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity in Abuja. The occasion was to celebrate the 80th birthday of Onyema Ugochukwu, a distinguished journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
During the service, Obasanjo praised Ugochukwu for his loyalty and support during Obasanjo’s 1999 presidential campaign. He highlighted that despite the competitive race within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where both he and Chief Alex Ekwueme vied for the same position, Ugochukwu stood by him. This act of loyalty, according to Obasanjo, was significant in the building of strong political relationships at the time.
In his speech, the former president encouraged Ugochukwu to continue to walk in faith and remain devoted to serving humanity in all his endeavors. “You must never allow your faith to wane,” Obasanjo said, referring to a passage from 1 Corinthians 13. He urged the celebrant to maintain hope and optimism even in the face of Nigeria’s current difficulties, which he acknowledged as being particularly daunting.
Obasanjo emphasized the power of love, encouraging Ugochukwu to carry love in all aspects of his life. “Let your love for your family, friends, and even those who may be your adversaries, guide you,” he added. “Extend that love to your community, your state, your country, and ultimately, to all of humanity. Above all, maintain your love for God.”
Reflecting on his own political journey, Obasanjo recalled the early days of his campaign and the dynamics that led to his eventual success in the 1999 election. “I first became acquainted with you through your reputation, and we came together during the campaign. At that time, I was contesting against Alex Ekwueme in the PDP, and you supported me loyally throughout the process,” he shared.
In this heartfelt address, Obasanjo urged not only Ugochukwu but all Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient, and committed to serving their communities with love, despite the challenges facing the nation.