ABUJA – Dr Stephen Oru, the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, has advised former President Olusegun Obasanjo to apologise to President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP over alleged unguarded statements credited to him.
Oru made the call in Abuja at a news conference organised by the ministry.
He said that the former President was the most privileged Nigerian who had the opportunity of ruling the country twice both as military Head of State and as a democratically-elected president.
Oru expressed dismay over alleged comments credited to Obasanjo, who had served as President for two tenures on the platform of the PDP.
He said that the alleged statements were not in the interest of the unity of the country, considering his position as an elder statesman.
According to him, as an elder statesman, Obasanjo’s opinion is highly respected nationally and internationally.
Oru advised Obasanjo to emulate other respected former presidents who have humbled themselves and utilised available channels to advice government on ways to move the nation forward.
According to him, Obasanjo has not treated the PDP, the person and office of the President and Nigerians fairly.
“He still has the time to make amends and retrace his footsteps and tender an apology to the party and the nation.”
The minister observed that Jonathan had usual gift of patience, tolerance and humility.
Obasanjo was quoted as saying that Jonathan was behind the rescheduling of the general elections because of his desperation to win the election.