If I Wanted Third Term Presidency I Would Have Gotten It – Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has distanced himself from speculations that he wanted a third term as President.

Obasanjo on Thursday noted that if he had the desire to contest for third term as president of Nigeria, he would have gotten it.

Naija News learnt that the elder statesman stated this at a virtual engagement organised by Africa Leadership Group.

The program which was anchored by Pastor Itua Ighodalo was themed, “Leadership and nation-building.”

Obasanjo, speaking at the event, said, “I never asked for a third term. If I wanted a third term, I would have got it. I am audacious enough to know how to get it.”

He further stated that the biggest problem of Africa today is leadership, adding that the leadership issue has an impact on governance and nation-building.

The former president noted, “Nigeria is where we are because of leadership. We must decisively look for men and women who have the character, attributes, skill and attitude that we need for leadership that will deliver this country.”

Obasanjo, speaking on the Nigerian Constitution, called for an amendment, noting that no constitution is perfect.

He said, “Some people blame the constitution for everything in Nigeria. Of course, our constitution is not perfect, and there is no constitution that is sacrosanct and it can be amended.”

He said part of what should be included in the amended constitution is the devolution of power.

Obasanjo on Thursday also condemned lawmakers on how they allocate salaries to themselves, noting that they go beyond the boundary of their lawmaking to give themselves obscene salaries.

He said, “The lawmakers have no right to fix their own salary. The salary and bonus of our lawmakers are supposed to be fixed by revenue mobilisation but they took it upon themselves to do that. Where is that done? When I was there, whatever I believed should not be paid, since I have to release the fund, I don’t release. There was a time they threatened to impeach me.”