Segun Showunmi, a former adviser to Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s multiple activities would have eaten him alive if it weren’t for God’s favor.
Showunmi said that Obasanjo’s prominent position during the apartheid era could easily have enveloped him, but it did not.
Rather, he asserted that Obasanjo’s actions had transformed him into a reliable Western ally.
He recalled Obasanjo’s turnover of power to civilians in 1979, describing it as “unusual” among African leaders.
In a statement commemorating Obasanjo’s 85th birthday, Showunmi recounted how the former President was imprisoned by General Sanni Abacha’s military administration.
Obasanjo, he claims, did not die in prison because many others, both in and out of prison, paid the ultimate price.
He said that God miraculously kept him alive and returned him to power as a civilian president in 1999.
Despite his human frailties, Showunmi believes God has been compassionate, kind, and protective to the Ibogun village guy by making him a global figure.
His words: “Looking back on the last decades that I, your son, can recollect, your life as head of state was unusual, bold and courageous. The strong position you held during the apartheid era with the benefit of hindsight is indicative of a man under grace for the world order. It could easily have consumed you, but it did not. Instead, it propelled you into a dependable ally of the west.
“Handing over power in 1979 at a time when with the death of General Muritala, most African leaders would have played tricks by extending and extending the date, not you. Baba, I got the cross pen you signed off with and one of the Seiko wristwatches. That indeed was the guidance of the Lord our God, for how did you manage yourself to do what is right. Recall the transition program of IBB, and it will become clear just how much willpower it takes African leaders to exit power honorably.
“The harsh years that followed saw you play critical roles, almost becoming a civil society activist until you got thrown into prison. Somehow, you did not die, given that many others in and out of prison paid the ultimate price. Still, God kept you alive and miraculously returned you to the headship of Nigeria as civilian president, a title only yourself and President Buhari have attained in our history.”
The PDP leader insisted that Obasanjo’s “tenure remains the golden era of our development in democracy when all is considered.”
While claiming that cataloging his accomplishments is pointless, Showunmi said that Obasanjo “got debt forgiveness and the relief stands you tall” in reference to the country’s present “crippling debts.”
He went on to say that after leaving office in 2007, Obasanjo kept going full steam ahead, collaborating with other international leaders and doing his utmost to keep humanity secure.
“Your work rate is incredible, your exercise regime is beyond astonishing, you are just damn too bold, in thoughts, in writings, in actions, and just getting up and going to the next trip and the next is stuff that only an all caring God could have helped you through.
“Now, Baba, at 85years young, just look at you, how energetic, so full of life.
“Happy Birthday, Baba. Enjoy your remaining days. God has been faithful, and we thank him,” Showunmi submitted.
