By Ochiaka Ugwu
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said that Nigeria was no longer playing fatherly role in Africa and had not been able to manage the affairs of its neighbours.
Obasanjo who made this known in Abuja Thursday at a book presentation titled, “The Letter man” written by President of international Press Institute (IPI) Mr. Musikilu Mojeed cited the case of neighbouring Chad where it allowed things to deteriorate following the killing of Idris Derby and allowed other nation to be in charge peace process.
Obasanjo who took audience back memory lane recalled how former President Jimmy Carter of United States would not take decision on any African affairs without consulting Nigeria.
He informed he had to reschedule his meeting in Ethiopia by finishing it early, adding that he found the book amazingly good.
While encouraging people to read more, Obasanjo said there were many things he had forgotten, but he (Mojeed) presented them well.
He said why he doesn’t grant interviews were because journalists were like a nagging wife that has children for you.
“You just have to tolerate them. They will annoy you. Musikiliu has one unique advantage, he tolerates me and I tolerate him. I believe in letter writing because you have to communicate. I don’t see any substitute for it”.
Obasanjo said the letter must be clear and stand the test of time and maintained that most of the letters the author used had stood the test of time.
He said he would have titled the book “Audacity of an optimist” saying the letters were not personal but about the issues.
He said in some instances, the letters are about providing practical solutions challenges facing humanity.
Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan represented by former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka described Obasanjo as a father-like figure saying that there have been ample letters that have changed history.
Mr Jonathan stated that Mr Obasanjo’s letters created engagements within the political arena, diplomatic world and other sectors.
He commended Mr Mojeed for the work he has done in bringing the letters together in a single book.
He said history would remember Obasanjo for the great things he did, not the quarrels and the fights.
He said he would be remembered for debt forgiveness, the creation of anti-corruption agencies and international interventions across Africa.
Speaking about the book, author Mojeed said “The Letterman” was about unveiling Obasanjo and his nonpareil roles in history.
