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From Command to Conscience: Obasanjo Reflects on Nigeria’s Journey, Leadership Failures, and His Legacy

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he was in a hurry to see Nigeria attain its potential for greatness, stressing that he is now “getting close” to his departure lounge.

Obasanjo made the remark while reflecting on his years in public service and his new book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future,’ where he assessed Nigeria’s leadership trajectory and criticised both past and present administrations.

According to him, his writings and interventions over the years have not been borne out of animosity but out of a desire to see that Nigeria progress.

“All my writings have been aimed at making Nigeria better because I strongly believe that Nigeria can be made better and I also believe in documentation,” he said.

The former president explained that he had written works such as ‘My Command’, ‘Nzeogwu’, ‘Not My Will’, and his three-volume autobiography, ‘My Watch’, to shed light on his experiences in leadership, policy decisions, imprisonment, and the challenges Nigeria has faced.

I have written Letters to my superiors and my successors in moments of our nation’s troubles and challenges. I have done these not out of malice but to help leaders to learn lessons and to draw the attention of Nigerians to the nature of the various crises,” he noted.

Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria as both military Head of State (1976–1979) and civilian President (1999–2007), said he was aware of criticisms that he often sounded sanctimonious, but insisted his conscience remained clear. “Some have accused me of being equally guilty of the things I have written about or accused others of. I rely on my conscience and my records and have no need to defend myself,” he stated.

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On his years as a military leader, Obasanjo said he and his contemporaries may have been inexperienced but were patriotic. “We were young, maybe somewhat naïve at times but we were patriotic and committed and sincerely so. We sought to feed our people, we sought to provide infrastructure, we sought to prioritise education, we sought to bring Nigeria to modernity and raise our profile in the international arena,” he explained.

In his latest book, Obasanjo described the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) as “the worst civil administration regime so far in Nigeria’s history.”

He recalled how Buhari, in justifying the 1983 coup against the then President Shehu Shagari, condemned corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice, but failed to address those same issues when he later became a democratically elected president. “Good points and good words which Buhari failed to follow when he became the President years later. Words are cheap and what needed to be done was left undone during Buhari’s civil administration,” Obasanjo wrote.

However, Mallam Garba Shehu, spokesman to the late Buhari, said Obasanjo’s criticisms were rooted in personal animosity. “There are many around Buhari who hold that the spectacular falling out between him and his superior in the military…was on account of the demand, reportedly put to him by Obasanjo, that the contract for the Mambilla Power Project be given to a contractor he preferred. On this, Buhari politely told the former president to allow him to handle it his own way,” Shehu alleged in his book According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman’s Experience.

Obasanjo also reserved harsh words for the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of inefficiency. “Only Bola Tinubu’s administration seems to be competing with Buhari’s (in the area of inefficiency) for now,” he declared.

Efforts to obtain a response from the presidency were unsuccessful as calls and messages to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, and the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, were not responded to as of press time.

Obasanjo reiterated that his legacy would speak for him, noting that he had served Nigeria in different capacities, endured imprisonment, and witnessed both the best and worst of the nation. “Yes, I am both angry and sad because I have seen the best and the worst of our country. With hindsight, we know we made some mistakes, but again we did some great things in our country, for our country and for Africa,” he said.

“I have had the great honour of serving this country as a military Head of State and a President. So, it might be said that I have sat on both sides of the fence. I have gone through the crucible of rural life, meagre resources, military peacekeeping in Africa, war in my own country, humiliation and imprisonment. I have learned a lot from what I have gone through, pleasant and not-so-pleasant,” Obasanjo added.

 

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Sallah Thanksgiving: NUJ President Commends Kano Correspondents’ Chapel For Fostering Love, Unity Among Journalists

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The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has commended the leadership of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, for providing platforms and occasions that foster love, unity and progress among journalists.

Comrade Yahya stated this at Kano Press Centre, on Sunday, during the 2026 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah Celebrations, Thanksgiving And Special Prayers Ceremony, organized by Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, to appreciate God for the successful month long Ramadan fasting period and the Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.

The NUJ National President used the occasion to urge journalists to reflect on the true meaning of the occasion and promote unity, peace, and tolerance, among themselves, in the course of their profession.

Represented by former chairman of Kano NUJ and a member of NUJ National Board of Trustees, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, the NUJ National President, who said he has been impressed over the activities of Kano NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, within the last one year, under the leadership of Comrade Murtala Adewale, emphasized the importance of compassion, unity, and addressing national challenges, particularly food security and insecurity.

Comrade Alhassan Yahya urged other NUJ chapels to draw inspiration from Kano Correspondents’ Chapel’s unity and camaraderie, highlighting their event as a model for promoting peace and solidarity among journalists.

He encouraged other chapels to organize similar events, fostering a sense of community and cooperation, which is essential for the growth and development of the journalism profession.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, a Professor of Communication in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Yakubu Mai Nasara Kurfi, described the event as not only inspiring, but heart-warming, while urging the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel leadership to sustain the tempo.

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Prof. Mai Nasara Kurfi congratulated the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel executive members for their foresight to organize the event, and promised to borrow a leaf from them as he planned to introduce such occasion in the Faculty of Communication, BUK.

The Professor of Communication also used the occasion to canvass for collaboration and synergy among the NUJ, working journalists and the Faculty of Communication, BUK, so as to ensure training and re-training of both working journalists and student journalists for enhancement of the journalism profession.

The chairman of NUJ in Kano state, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Gambo, noted that the event was not only a Thanksgiving for the successful Ramadan and celebration of the Eid El Fitr, but a symbol of unity and togetherness among members of Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, and the larger Kano NUJ family.

“This even is so special because some of the prominent scholars and practitioners in the media are here. I want to thank and commend the leadership of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing this event,” he said.

In his speech, chairman of NUJ Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Murtala Adewale, described the event as not just a celebration, but a moment to reflect on Allah’s countless mercies—granting us the strength, patience, and opportunity to observe the holy month.

According to him: “Ramadan has been a period of spiritual renewal, sacrifice, and discipline. It has reminded us of the importance of empathy, humility, and self-restraint. As journalists, these values resonate deeply with our professional responsibilities—to be fair, truthful, and guided by integrity in all that we do.

“This gathering also serves as an avenue to strengthen our unity as members of the Chapel. In the midst of our demanding schedules and the pressures of the profession, moments like this allow us to reconnect, share, and reinforce the bond that holds us together.”

He encouraged all imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, and continue to embody patience, kindness, and responsibility, “in our daily lives and in our reportage. Our society looks up to us, and we must remain committed to promoting peace, truth, and understanding.

“I sincerely appreciate all our invited guests and well-wishers who have joined us today. Your presence is a testament to the strong relationships we have built over time, and we do not take it for granted. As we share this special breakfast, let us also remember those who are less privileged and continue to extend a helping hand, as taught during the holy month.”

The event was designed as a special Thanksgiving feast to appreciate Almighty Allah for His mercies and offer prayers for peace and progress, after a 30-day spiritual rejuvenation in the fasting month of Ramadan.

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Breaking: Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP

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Former Governor of Kano State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced his resignation from the party. The declaration was made through a statement posted on his verified Facebook page earlier today.

Kwankwaso, who served as the NNPP’s National Leader and spearheaded its presidential campaign in the 2023 general elections, described the decision as “not an easy one.” He explained that his departure was driven by the need for “strategic realignment” in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” Kwankwaso stated.

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In his resignation letter, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude to the NNPP’s leadership, including National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and members across all levels of the party. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, his loyal political base, pledging continued collaboration toward building “a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation.”

Kwankwaso’s exit marks a significant moment for the NNPP, which rose to prominence under his leadership and made notable gains in the 2023 elections. His next political move is expected to reshape alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, though he has yet to disclose the platform he intends to join.

Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s resignation could trigger a wave of defections within the NNPP, particularly among members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who have historically followed his political trajectory.

 

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Northern Youth Group Backs Doguwa for Kano APC Leadership, Urges National Role

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The Northern Youths Merger Groups under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa on his election as the APC State Chairman in Kano.

In a statement, the group’s National Coordinator, Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, described Doguwa as a hardworking and experienced politician capable of leading the party to victory.

The group highlighted Doguwa’s track record, noting his four-time leadership of political parties in Kano, as well as his service in two commissioner roles. According to the group, his vast experience will significantly contribute to the success of the APC.

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The Northern Youths Merger Groups also called on APC stakeholders to nominate and support Doguwa for appointment as Chairman of the APC States Chairmen Forum, which comprises representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

They expressed confidence that such an appointment would strengthen efforts toward securing victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections, particularly in the North-West region.

The group further noted that the North-West zone is expected to deliver massive votes in the 2027 elections, describing it as one of the APC’s strongest strongholds with seven sitting governors.

They emphasized that Doguwa’s leadership, experience, and political influence would play a crucial role in ensuring the party’s success in both the presidential and gubernatorial elections.

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