Why I visited Obasanjo, Abdulsalami – Imumolen, Accord presidential candidate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Accord (A) presidential candidate, Christopher Imumolen has defended his recent visits to former leaders, Olusegun Obasanjo and Abdulsalami Abubukar.

Imumolen said they were necessary exercises needed to upgrade his repertoire of knowledge concerning governance, particularly as it relates to Nigeria.

The flagbearer believes that fraternisising with the former leaders has proven to be beneficial despite how critical it has been viewed in some quarters.

Countering suggestions that the consultations lacked political relevance, Imumolen said it was necessary to meet ex-Heads of State and draw from their experience in governance.

“Some people have said that my recent visits to both Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen Abdulsalami Abubukar (rtd) was pointless, while others even insinuated that it was a charade.

“But I want to say that the meetings were neither pointless nor a charade as they have said. As a matter of fact, they were necessary.

“Young and aspiring leaders like me who want to govern a country as multi-cutural, and as complex as Nigeria can’t to do without learning from these sages who had the opportunity to pilot the affairs.

“They may not exactly have covered themselves in glory with the results we got from their times at the helm, but they still are an institution; a veritable source from which we can learn from in order to avoid the mistakes they made.

“Besides, since they are not my enemies, it is perfectly normal for me to go and consult them, and learn governance tips I can put to good use in future.

“The whole idea is to learn enough in order to do better when the chance finally comes for me to step into their shoes in Nigeria’s highest seat of power”, the AP candidate added.