- He noted that agitation for a return to regionalism, which was adopted at Nigeria’s independence in 1960, is still widespread today
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Nigerians loyalty and allegiance to their tribes and regions are doing a lot of damage to the country.
He noted that the principle of regionalism is the root of Nigeria’s problems.
Obasanjo stated this on Tuesday in Abeokuta when the League of Northern Democrats paid him a courtesy visit.
He noted that agitation for a return to regionalism, which was adopted at Nigeria’s independence in 1960, is still widespread today.
Speaking to the group led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, the ex-president said a leader should be guaged and chosed base on his capacity and competence and not where he hails from.
He asserted where a leader comes is inconsequential but what he has to offer in terms of development and governance.
Obasanjo, who faulted the nomenclature of the group, advised it to become a national body rather than a sectarian group, noting that the group was right to be concerned about Nigeria.
“One of the things that led us to where we are today, and we haven’t gotten out of, is regionalism.
“Whenever I hear ‘North,’ ‘East,’ or ‘West,’ I get frightened.
“Your name would have been ‘National League of Democrats’ instead of ‘Northern League of Democrats.’ But you must start somewhere,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, Shekarau disclosed that the group was made up of like minds of Northern extraction.
He disclosed that the group, which has a membership of 400, came into existence three months ago as a result of various consultations and discussions.
The former state governor said the group seeks to influence political decisions and the process of recruiting leaders at all levels in Nigeria.