How Nigeria’s democracy nearly died under Obasanjo – Northern youths

The Arewa Youths Assembly has reacted to the formation of third force by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The group in a statement signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu, alleged that Nigeria’s democracy under Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, was almost derailed because of his leadership style.

The Arewa youths said, “In 2006 towards 2007, the powerful OBJ not satisfied with the eight-year tenure mandate given to him by Nigerians, decided to manipulate the constitution to pave the way for yet another term called Third Term.

“Thank God for notable Nigerians who resisted the plan and rendered it toothless. Since that time till date, even after handing over power to the late President Shehu Yar’Adua, OBJ has refused to lie low as being demonstrated by his predecessors and others.

“The Northern part of Nigeria which overwhelmingly supported OBJ despite his rejection by his Southwest home, later became the worst hit.

“The North was set against the North. Tribalism, religious sentiments, political hatred as a result of divide and rule principle became glaring. The North became divided against itself, all due to his selfish need to control political power in Nigeria.”