Headlines
Obasanjo Knocks Buhari Again, Says Nigeria Moving Towards Disaster, Instability
- /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Obasanjo.jpg&description=Obasanjo Knocks Buhari Again, Says Nigeria Moving Towards Disaster, Instability', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 69
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Obasanjo.jpg&description=Obasanjo Knocks Buhari Again, Says Nigeria Moving Towards Disaster, Instability', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
By Eric Elezuo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has knocked President Muhammadu Buhari one more time, saying that Nigeria is fast moving towards disaster and instability under his administration.
Speaking exclusively to Premium Times, Obasanjo, hinted that Buhari’s administration has destroyed the war against corruption, adding that the economy has become unstable.
The former Nigerian Leader fell out with Buhari prior to the 2019 elections when he backed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who was his former deputy.
He accused Buhari of nepotism, saying he was also too old to run for a second term.
Obasanjo said, although Buhari was re-elected, he believed the country was on the edge of the precipice.
He said, “The progress we are making may be questionable –Is it fast enough? Is it steady enough? Is it stable enough? Are we taking two steps forward and one step backwards or one step sideways?
“You can question that, but we have no choice but to be on (the) path of sustainable development. Any other thing will be a disaster. In fact, the pace at which we are going now is tending more and more towards disaster and instability and unsustainability.”
Obasanjo said he was worried that the first three top officials of government were from a particular region.
He said the situation had called for concern as it was against the constitution.
He said, “Now, you have a situation where three top officials of government will be from only two northern zones. Ahmed Lawan is from the North-East, the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria is from the North-East, the President of the country is from the North-West. They are all from what we call the core North. How can you have that kind of arrangement and then be absolutely insensitive to it?
“So the prescription that our constitution makes for the kind of leadership that should emerge, we have failed to achieve that with the present leadership we have in place. The constitution expects the executive to care for the welfare and security of every Nigerian. But in the present situation, they don’t seem to care.”
Obasanjo said there was no more confidence in the economy, adding that the Buhari government had wasted the gains of the past administrations.
He claimed that Buhari had “corrupted” the fight against corruption, which started during his (Obasanjo) government with the creation of two anti-corruption agencies.
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
