Saraki, Older Politicians Won’t Leave Until You Kick Them Out, Obasanjo Tells Youths

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has told Nigerian youths that until they take the bull by the horns by kicking out old politicians, they can’t attain leadership position.

Speaking at the Youth Governance Dialogue in Abeokuta on Saturday, Obasanjo said Nigerian Youths must be prepared on all sides in order to assume leadership space.

He said youths must carve a niche for themselves because in the Nigeria, political landscape today, “values have been eroded”.

Obasanjo said: “I joined politics from the top. The only position I contested for in Nigeria was the Presidency, but I had track record of achievements, which led to that. Nobody will choose you, you have to choose yourself. (Senate President Bukola) Saraki will not leave until you ask him to leave.

“When we talk about youth in leadership position, the point is: how are you prepared? Are you really prepared?

“People ask questions that what is the difference between Nigeria of 1960 and Nigeria of today? In 1950, 1960, there were values, but today, values have been eroded.

“As a youth, you have to carve a niche for yourself. Stop complaining. Don’t expect people to leave or shift. For instance, as I am standing, when you come to me and ask me to leave or shift, I may not respond.

“But when three or four of you come forward to me, two by my right hand side and two at my left and you press me together, you can actually force me out.

“So, if those you call old politicians refuse to move, suffocate them with your population, they will back out. If an 80, 90 years old man can be president, why not a 30-year-old man?,” Obasanjo queried.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who also spoke at the event, presented a research paper titled: “The role of our youth in contributing to the peace and stability of the nation.”

Agabi charged Nigerian youths on unity of the country and the African continent at large.

The former AGF also described Obasanjo as a role model that the youth can emulate.

“If Obasanjo can make it, you can also make it. He went to army and survived. He was sent to prison and he survived. He was sentenced to death but here he is,” he said.

The event, which was organised to mark this year’s International Youth Day, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).