BREAKING NEWS, Politics
–
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says tribal politics is a big problem militating against the development of Nigeria
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday, July 19, appealed to Nigerian politicians to stop tribal politics. Obasanjo said the nation could only progress if every citizen sees himself or herself first as a Nigerian before any other consideration.
He said it was regrettable that 55 years after Nigeria’s independence, the country’s progress was still being hampered by tribal, sectional, ethnic or regional politics.
The former president who spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, insisted that until every Nigerian extolled the philosophy of united Nigeria, the country would still remain in sorry state. Obasanjo made the speech while welcoming members of family of the late Adegoke Adelabu, one of the foremost politicians, popularly known as “Pekelemesi” who visited him in his Abeokuta Hill top residence. The Adelabus had come to solicit Obasanjo’s support for the celebration of the post-humorous centenary birthday of the late politician who was an active member of the defunct National Councils of Nigeria and the Cameroons, NCNC, led by the late Nnamdi Azikwe, former Nigerian president.
Adelabu was born in September 3, 1915 and died in a road accident in 1958 at the age of 43. He was the first Federal Minister of Social Services and National Resources. Though a Yoruba man, he was a loyal and dedicated member of the NCNC until his death.
Obasanjo said of Adelabu: “He was a reality, he was a phenomenon, he was uniquely Yoruba, uniquely Nigerian, uniquely African and uniquely a member of the human race.
“Today, we are still struggling to reach the pinnacle or what you may call pedestal of Adelabu in politics of not being swayed by linguistic, ethnic, tribal, regional or sectional politics. He was years ahead of his contemporary politicians.”
Lekan Alabi, chairman of the organising committee, earlier in his remarks, said the ceremony which would hold in Ibadan on September 3, would also mark the launching of Adelabu Foundation.
— Jul 20, 2015 @ 12:10 GMT
|
Tags:
