To voice one’s sentiments on issues is one thing, to face the deluge of reactions after it, is another matter.
Following the endorsement of the presidential candidates of the labor party Peter Obi, former president Olusegun Obasanjo is facing backlash from that action.
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso says it is wrong for any person who is considered a statesman to go about endorsing candidates ahead of the February 25 presidential election in Nigeria.
Speaking in Benin City, the Edo state capital, he also advised Olusegun Obasanjo and Elder State man Edward Clark to stop disgracing themselves.
“I want to advise our leaders: they should stop disgracing themselves. We have so much respect for them. If you say you don’t like me, no problem,” the former Kano State governor said on Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi in the last three days have been endorsed by elder statesmen like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and leader of the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, sparking reactions from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking on the issue, Executive Editor, Upshot Media, Mojeed Jamiu said Kwankwaso was not against Onasanjo endorsing Peter Obi rather what he said was that there are some people that they have considered Elder Statesman that are ought to earn that respect that ought to be respected that they should put themselves in positions where they should be respected.
He noted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has never applauded any government except his own.
“He might start applauding you but the moment he knows that he can no longer control you then he will start abusing you and start writing letters. That has always been his modus Operandi but this time around I think both the guys in APC and PDP, they have been firing from all cylinders.
Mr Jamiu noted that the moment Obi stops listening to Obasanjo, he will start wring letters and abusing him.
“If Olusegun Obasanjo had endorsed Kwankwaso, will he come out and say what he said about Obasanjo?
“We should not diminish the person of Obasabjo”
“Since 1999, Obasanjo has been the best president we ever had. The records are there”, this is according to Chris Kehinde-Nwandu, CEO, Inside Politics with CKN.
CKN who noted that Obasanjo is not fallible because he is human added that when it comes to patriotism and nationalism you cannot take it away from the former President.
“Obasanjo is not like those that behave like kangaroos that have their head dipped inside the sand and their body is open.
“What some other people do in secret, Obasanjo will come out in the open and say it.
He added that Obasanjo has the constitutional right as an individual and as a Nigerian to endorse anybody he wants.
Speaking further, CKN said most of our former leaders have been endorsing some presidential aspirants but don’t come out to say it.
Mr Jamiu who spoke further said Peter Obi should continue with his canvasing for votes and not rely on endorsement from Olusegun Obasanjo as he has never won his polling unit.
“He lost his polling unit in 1999, in 2003, he struggled by coercing people. His electoral value is next to nothing.”
‘It will be fool hardy for Peter Obi to think that he can earn political mileage from Obasanjo’s endorsements.
He added that Obasanjo is not in a position to tell Nigerians who to vote for.
