Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that his open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari which went viral last week was borne out of genuine concern for the situation in the country.
He said that, contrary to insinuations, the letter was not borne out of “bad belle” (malice).
Obasanjo made the clarifications while addressing the media in Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta on Thursday shortly after the launch of Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) in the Ogun state capital and his registration as a member of the group.
He said, “Last week, I issued a statement which I did not do lightly or frivolously but out of deep concern for the situation of our country.
“I wonder why some Nigerians were worried why I had to pay respect to the Nigerian President at Addis Ababa . That’ s my own upbringing as a well – born and bred Yoruba boy.
“That doesn’t mean that what I have said about the President, which I did not say out of bitterness and hatred. It is evidence that the President has performed , in some areas, good enough.
“In other areas not good and a proper advice which he may take and he may not take.
“I didn’ t do that out of malice or out of ‘ bad belle ; I did it out of my respect for that office and my interest and I hope in your interest and the interest of Buhari in Nigeria.”
Other prominent members of the CNM, which was first launched in Abuja on Wednesday, are former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke and former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.