How My Incapability To Preserve Quiet Landed Me In Jail Throughout Abacha Regime, Says Obasanjo

Obasanjo made this recognized throughout a dialogue with 15 rising African leaders on the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has claimed that his refusal to stay “silent” on urgent nationwide and worldwide points led to his imprisonment underneath the army dictatorship of the late Normal Sani Abacha in 1995.

Obasanjo made this recognized throughout a dialogue with 15 rising African leaders on the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).

The previous President defined how his candidness turned a legal responsibility throughout Abacha’s regime.

“My jail expertise was one of many life challenges I confronted, stemming from my incapability to maintain quiet,” Obasanjo stated, stating the significance of addressing essential points no matter private penalties.

This was contained in a press release by his Particular Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the place Obasanjo disclosed that his “dedication” to rescue Nigeria from potential disintegration motivated his presidential bid in 1999.

Earlier than that, he stated he had retired to farming after his army service at age 42.

Addressing the youth underneath the aegis of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, together with winners of the distinguished Future Africa Leaders Awards, Obasanjo urged the following era to undertake management values that prioritise the continent’s growth.

The previous President underscored the necessity for resilient management, noting that his journey from army service to the presidency was formed by his willingness to confront adversity head-on.

“I joined the Military and retired as a army officer at 42,” he stated.

“I used to be nonetheless younger, energetic, and dynamic. So, I turned to agriculture. However throughout that point, I ended up in jail—not one thing I wished. It occurred as a result of I refused to remain silent. I spoke out on points that mattered, and that landed me in jail. That was a troublesome interval. After I got here out, the nation was in a nasty state. Folks felt the necessity for management, and stress began mounting.”

Addressing the difficulty of African money owed, Obasanjo criticised the recklessness and corruption behind some loans.

“Many of those money owed can’t be justified. Some have been outrightly corrupt,” he stated, citing an instance in Nigeria the place a mortgage for a carpet manufacturing unit was totally repaid regardless of the undertaking by no means taking off.

He additionally counseled Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founding father of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, for internet hosting the 2024 version of the programme.

Obasanjo urged the programme’s beneficiaries to steer by instance.
“You’re the leaders of at this time, not tomorrow. Use optimistic, disruptive actions to encourage, enrich, and uplift others.”