Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he was never interested in going for a third term in office, but if he wanted, he would have gotten it.
Obasanjo made the statement on Thursday during a virtual engagement organised by Africa Leadership Group, themed, “Leadership and nation-building”.
“I never asked for a third term. If I wanted a third term, I would have got it. I am audacious enough to know how to get it,” he said.
The former president also noted that getting debt relief for the country, which was almost impossible, was a pointer, as he “got it.”
Obasanjo, however, stated that the biggest problem of Africa today is leadership, saying it imparts on governance and nation building.
He said; “Nigeria is where we are because of leadership. We must decisively look for men and women who have the character, attributes, skill and attitude that we need for leadership that will deliver this country.”
When asked if he would mobilise former head of states to support Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, having given him an open endorsement, Obasanjo said he would join any campaign train.
“I am not on his campaign train. I do not belong to any political party. I will not join any campaign train. I’ve said what is best for the country,” Obasanjo explained.
Speaking on the Nigerian Constitution, the retired PDP chieftain called for an amendment, noting that no constitution is perfect.
“Some people blame the constitution for everything in Nigeria. Of course, our constitution is not perfect, and there is no constitution that is sacrosanct and it can be amended.”
Obasanjo also lamented the amount of petroleum products that are being stolen, the level of corruption, kidnapping and banditry in the country.
“With this type of situation, the economy will not grow the way it ought. People will not come and invest in a country that is not secure and safe. Unless there is investment there will not be growth.
“We don’t have absolute control of our oil industry. Since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in 1956 up to today, we are still flaring gas. The amount of money we are flaring in gas is colossal, those who are exploring and exploiting our oil, didn’t feel they need the gas, if all we have done is to produce that gas for our domestic use by now, our situation would have been different,” he said.
