Presidential Candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has lauded his former principal, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his role in restoring peace to Ethiopia.
Atiku, who served under Obasanjo as vice-president of the country from 1999-2007 in a statement via his Twitter handle described the former Nigeria leader as a peace broker adding that he’s not surprised at the recent achievement of his former boss.
Atiku recalled how Obasanjo restored peace in Liberia as well as São Tomé and Principe in Central Africa when he was the President of Nigeria.
He further stressed that,Africa is blessed to have a statesman of such impeccable democratic credentials as Chief Obasanjo adding that the man deserves to have gotten ‘Nobel Peace Price’ with a promise to nominate him at any given opportunity.
“I celebrate the extraordinary prowess of His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in bringing peace to Ethiopia. I am not surprised. I know my boss. He did the same thing in Liberia and São Tomé and Príncipe during our time in office,” he said
“If for nothing else, he is most deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize, and I will nominate him when entries are open for nominations.
“Africa is blessed to have a statesman of such impeccable democratic credentials as Chief Obasanjo. A man whose image ought to be in the redesigned Naira note to inspire future generations of Nigerians to sacrifice for their nation and continent.
Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu, was the first to congratulate Obasanjo over the peace deal.
Both Obasanjo and Tinubu had been known to share opposing political views in the past.
Atiku, in his message, congratulated Obasanjo for a successful mediation in finding a lasting solution Ethiopia-Tigray conflict.
He extolled him for the God gifted wisdom which he(Obasanjo) had used to restore peace in many African countries.
“On behalf of my family, I congratulate you, President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for successfully ending the Ethiopia-Tigray conflict. And I thank God for the gift of wisdom and foresight He gave you, which you have used creditably to steer Nigeria and Africa on the right path. -AA”
Obasanjo had on Wednesday, presided over agreement between the Ethiopian government to end the two-year conflict with rebel forces in the country’s northern Tigray region.
The agreement was reached at a meeting in South Africa, after the latest round of peace talks convened by the African Union (AU).
The fighting began after forces loyal to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which was the nation’s pre-eminent power broker for decades before being sidelined by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, reportedly attacked a federal army base.
Millions of people have been displaced by the fighting between both parties, which started in November 2020.
Obasanjo, the AU envoy who led the on-and-off negotiations for more than a year, described the cease-fire agreement as the beginning of peace.
Since the signing, many prominent Nigerians especially politicians have been appreciating the former president for the role he played.
The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress,Bola Tinubu in a statement released barely 24hrs after the peace meeting commended the statesmanship of the former President
“I commend the statesmanship of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he continues his contribution to the stability of the African continent with a successful diplomatic mission in Ethiopia where he led the mediation of an important peace treaty,” he said.
“It is hoped that the process results, ultimately, in the permanent resolution of the conflict and a full commitment to the cause of unity, restoration, and development.”
Similarly,The Coalition of United Political Parties(CUPP) on Thursday commended former President for successfully negotiating a cessation of hostilities between the Ethiopian government and the Tigrayans, describing him as “a reformer, visionary and defender of democracy in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”
“The former Nigerian President who is currently the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa, achieved this feat following concerted negotiations he led, which saw the warring groups agree to peaceful resolution of whatever their issues might be.
“In 2018, President Olusegun Obasanjo through his mediation skills ensured smooth political transition in Liberia. His intervention made it Liberia’s first peaceful transfer of power from one democratically-elected leader to another in 70 years.
“We at the opposition coalition congratulate him, may God continue to keep him alive and in good health for more good interventions for Africa and the world.”
In the same vein, Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and governorship candidate in Ogun State begged Obasanjo not to give up on issues affecting the nation, saying Nigeria needs his help just as he did in resolving Ethiopia’s crisis.
“It is very consistent with your life of service, I remember with nostalgia the same effort during the former Rhodesia now Namibia and Zimbabwean conflicts in the 70s. Baba, you have thought many life lessons, especially in the area of a purpose-driven life,” Showunmi said on Friday.
In his appeal to Obasanjo, Showunmi said: “Dear Elder statesman, do not give up on the issues of Nigeria, I want you to look more pragmatically at the situation in the country and offer yourself to help Nigeria navigate the next circle of elections. As you know, when the elections involve a change of leaders at the highest level, it can be very nerve-racking, needing a steady and guided hand.
“I trust that you understand what I am saying in the context of how fluid our security situation is right now, coupled with the socio-economic situation generally.
“Once again Baba Obasanjo, May the lord bless and keep you to keep doing more for mankind.”