Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State that his commenting on national and party issues did not imply he had problems with President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that no one could prevent him from discussing issues.
He said this while receiving the National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur in his Abekouta hilltop country home, saying that his comments are borne out of passion and love for the country.
He said “If there is anything that requires my comment, position or views, I will say it. It is only if you kill me. It is my passion, patriotism and love that will continue to make me state my views. If I see something inimical to the party’s growth, I will talk.
“And also to disabuse the minds of rumour mongers, the President is my President. Without Nigeria, there will be no party. Even when I was in prison, I was not quiet. Those who want me and the chairman to quarrel; this visit will keep them quiet. But my mouth will not be quiet.”
He also waved away recent rumours about his death, saying “I am still alive anyway.”
Earlier, the PDP National Chairman said he was in Abeokuta to see Obasanjo for his consistent role in the party, country and the international community.
He also said that his visit was not connected to ever-recurring crisis in the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, but rather to see Obasanjo, a national leader of the party, saying that he would accept whoever is elected as the state chairman of the party.
“Our principle today is rebuilding our party based on equity and justice. Because it is only when you give people the leadership they did not merit that you have a crisis.”