Jonathan is planning to scuttle Nigeria’s democracy-Obasanjo

  Former President Oluesgun Obasanjo has described the postponement of Nigeria’s general elections  as a grand plan to scuttle the present democratic process in the country. He likened the move with that of ousted Ivorian President Lauren Gbagbo, who was forced out of office after he refused to hand over power to the winner of the […]

 

Former President Oluesgun Obasanjo has described the postponement of Nigeria’s general elections  as a grand plan to scuttle the present democratic process in the country.

He likened the move with that of ousted Ivorian President Lauren Gbagbo, who was forced out of office after he refused to hand over power to the winner of the country’s election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had at the last minute ‎postponed the general elections from February to March 28, 2015, citing security concerns raised by the service chiefs.

Obasanjo spoke to newsmen on Saturday ‎in his Abeokuta home upon his return from hit trip abroad where he went to promote his new book, “My Watch” which has been banned in Nigeria by a Court.‎

He declared that the postponement was a big shock and surprise to him,adding that it was a forced decision on INEC.

The former President said President Jonathan would have history going for him if he eventually loses the election and handover successfully.

“I am surprised with the postponement. I left Nigeria penultimate Wednesday,I traveled to Morocco, Munich,Nairobi, London and New Delhi. Exactly a week today,we were in Munich for the Munich Security Conference. I was there with Koffi Annah,a lot of world leaders were there and I was to talk about peace in Africa.

“Suddenly, people started asking me questions from different parts of the world about the development in Nigeria. I decided not to issue any categorical statement until I get back home.

 “It turned out to be a forced decision on INEC. it was alleged that the security chiefs were unable to provide security and as result, Jega had to postpone in accordance with the dictate of the so called security chiefs. It was a bad precedent for democracy in Nigeria. It means no matter any preparation the nation set on ground in future for any elections, the final decision lies on the security. This is a sad day for democracy in Nigeria,” Obasanjo stated.

 “Baba” as he is fondly called revealed that President Jonathan is up to something and his plan is to scuttle the electoral process and cause chaos in the country as was done by the former President of Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo.

“President Jonathan has a grand plan to ensure that by hook or crook,he wins the election and if he fail,he scuttle it and bring chaos,confusion and unpleasantness in the whole country. It is either he is following his own grand plan or playing a script,which of course,must have gotten his endorsement.

“He is trying to play Gbagbo,the former President of Cote D’Ivoire. He postponed election in his country until he see that he will win. He does not allow election to hold,when it eventually held,it was an inconclusive elections. In the run off election,he lost to Quattara and he refused to hand over,he unleashed horror in that country until nemesis caught up with him. I believe we may be seeing a repeat of that,what I called,’Gbagbo Saga’,” Obasanjo revealed.

He, however, contented that with his experience in security matter, “it will take only God’s miracle to achieve what the security chiefs said they will do in just six weeks, eradication of the boko haram insurgency in the country.”

On the chances of the two major contenders in the election, Obasanjo said ” Buhari is more competent and well equipped to tackle the corruption, recklessness and impunity that has eaten deep into the fabrics of many Nigerians.”

On the Presidential media chat, where President Jonathan had disclosed that he was not aware of the postponement, the former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP said that it was a clear indication that the president was not in charge of affairs of the country. 

“It shows that he is reigning and not ruling, so who are those hiding somewhere and ruling this country?”he queried.

Obasanjo disclosed that he believe in the leadership of Buhari more than anybody at this present time, asking Nigerians not to compare the military era to the democratic system.

According to him,”I believe General Buhari will fight corruption,he will give firm leadership. When he was there before,he was a military and military leader is both the executive and the legislative but in democracy,it is not possible like that.

“More so, military has been rendered impotent and I believe he will do everything to rescusitate it because he knows the military well,so he will do it,if he fail to do it, I will say shame unto him,” he told the newsmen.

Obasanjo however, appealed to President Jonathan not to listen to those who are creating phobia of Buhari and phobia of enquiry against his person and administration, stressing, that the President has done well and he should rather has a dignified exit which will acclaim him as a patriot and true democrat among comity of nations.

 He also appealed to the APC Presidential candidate, General Muhammed Buhari to ensure that after the election, which he believes he will win, must find a way to allay the fears of many who see him as a threat in the area of human right, obedience of our constitution and rule of law.