Jonathan destroyed Nigeria –Obasanjo

Obasanjo said this when the Iyalode of Yoruba land, Chief Alaba
Lawson, led a delegation of South-West women leaders on a visit to his
Hilltop residence in Abeokuta.
The 78-year-old leader said owing to the mismanagement of the country
in the last eight years, the incoming administration of the
President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, should be prepared to face the
daunting challenges that lay ahead.
He said, "The country had been poorly managed in the last eight years
and it would take some time for Buhari's government to correct the
anomalies. But I want to tell him not to be frightened."
Calling on Nigerians to exercise patience with the incoming
administration, Obasanjo said the damage that had been done to the
country in the last eight years could not be corrected overnight.
"What I would say is that we should all put our minds at rest. He
(Buhari) is someone that will perform but we must exercise patience
because what has been destroyed for eight years cannot be undone
overnight.
"But like the Chinese proverb which says the journey of a thousand
miles starts with a step, it is not only the first step (that matters)
but the first step in the right direction because if you take a wrong
step, you're not likely to get to the destination," he said.
The Owu-born leader recalled that when he assumed power as civilian
president in 1999, the country was in the same situation it is today –
battling fuel crisis and lack of power supply.
"When I came in 1999, there was no fuel and power. The situation was
like this and I thought we have put that one behind us," he stressed,
even as he expressed confidence in the ability of Buhari to surmount
the hurdle.
"The man that is coming on board has a lot of experience in terms of
governance. He is not a novice in governance having ruled the country
as a military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.
"Nigerians need to exercise patience because what has been destroyed
in eight years cannot be rebuilt in a day," Obasanjo maintained.
Recalling his years as military Head of State between 1976 and 1979,
Obasanjo said he worked closely with Buhari and that their association
produced results.
Urging Nigerians to pray for Buhari, Obasanjo said the president-elect
needs the cooperation of Nigerians in order to put the country on the
right footing.
"Let's give him time. Let's pray for him and let's cooperate with him.
We are all concerned about the present situation of Nigeria. The
expectation is very high but at the same time, there is a lot of
goodwill internally and externally for the incoming government.
"Once the incoming administration realises this and takes every step,
particularly in the first three months when people will be watching
and counting, I think for me, we will get there," the former Peoples
Democratic Party leader said.
The former Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, however, warned Buhari not
to take Nigerians for granted as he called on him to always be honest
in his dealing with Nigerians.
Obasanjo added that with Buhari at the helm of affairs, Nigeria would
have a new opportunity.
He said, "God has provided a new opportunity for Nigeria and Nigerians
and I believe God does not make mistakes. There are two things I
believe the incoming President appreciates; one is that he knows that
the expectations of Nigerians are high and two, that he should not be
frightened by the situation on the ground."
Also, Obasanjo urged the incoming administration against squandering
its goodwill at home and abroad.
Decrying the agony inflicted upon Nigerians by the scarcity of fuel
across the country, Lawson advised Obasanjo to continue to support the
Buhari government in advisory capacity.
She said, "We are aware that you also took over the reins of power of
this country at a critical time and with the help of the Almighty God,
you were able to bring us back from the brink. The same goes for now.
"We, therefore, appeal to you not to leave this incoming government.
Though we are confident of the time-proven abilities of our incoming
President, Muhammadu Buhari, we also believe that two heads are better
than one and where there is a gathering of wise ones, wisdom will
issue forth from there."
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