The first president to govern the country on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared that he would protect Nigeria’s interest first before that of PDP.
To him, Nigeria is bigger than any individual or political party, insisting that even as a card-carrying member of PDP, he will always think of the interest of the country first before that of his party.
“Nigeria first means I’ll not sacrifice anything for the interest of Nigeria and I can sacrifice my own life for the interest of Nigeria, I can’t sacrifice my life for the interest of a party, I’ll sacrifice my life for the interest of Nigeria.”
He spoke in Abeokuta while receiving the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Chief Martins Onovo.
He berated his critics, insisting that he would continue to speak up on national issues. He also extolled the leadership qualities of the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, saying although he was not in government throughout his lifetime, he contributed to the development of the country more than elected or selected officials.
“People may come up and say Nigeria doesn’t belong to anybody; I believe that is a stupid saying. Nigeria belongs to all of us because anything that doesn’t belong to anybody, anything can happen to it. For me, Nigeria belongs to all of us and we are stakeholders in this country.”