Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday declared that he has nothing against President Muhammadu Buhari in spite of his criticism of the latter.
The ex-president spoke on Tuesday at an event held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State to mark his 82nd birthday.
He was responding to an appeal by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, that he should stop attacking Buhari.
The monarch said he is comfortable whenever Obasanjo attack Buhari, urging him to let peace be now that he is 82.
Alake, who served as a military officer during the military administration of Buhari between 1983 and 1985, said he had always told Obasanjo to leave his boss alone.
According to the monarch, Obasanjo has fought for the peace of the country more than anyone and has won many battles for Nigeria.
“You all know that I was an officer under Gen. Buhari; so, each time Obasanjo criticises my boss, I always tell my senior (Obasanjo); ‘[please, leave the President alone!’
“At 82, baba is still fighting; please, fight less and be a father to everybody.
“You need to rest, fight less and take a position of a consultant at your new age.
“At 82 years, I think you should keep your sword more rather than use it always,” he said.
Responding, Obasanjo said the issues between him and Buhari are not personal.
“Governance is not a family affair and democracy involves criticism and considering all the sides to an issue.
“There is nothing personal between President Buhari and I.
“In a democracy, you can criticise a policy, a government or a leader because democracy is not a family affair.
“I believe that Africa has no alternative to democracy, good governance, development and growth of our economy.
“And if that is not happening in any country, those who keep quiet about it are accomplices.
“So, if I say anybody in government in Nigeria or any government for that matter is not doing well, let that government prove that it is well. It is not anything personal.
“So, Kabiyesi, your boss Buhari; there is nothing personal between us. Just as he is your boss, I am also his boss, with all due respect,” Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo, who ruled as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and as a democratically elected President from 1999 to 2007, said he would forever remain Nigeria’s longest serving leader.
“Now, if any Nigerian comes in and have two terms, he will not have almost four years of military rule. So, I have been there longer than any Nigerian would ever be there.
“Kabiyesi, anytime you say, ‘leave my boss alone,’ I say ‘he is your boss.’
“But I am also his (Buhari) boss. So, you might also ask your boss (Buhari) to leave his boss alone or do what is right.”
