Tom FredFish
Call him an oracle, seer, or demigod, you are not far from the truth. As noted by Reuben Abati in his analysis of the great man theory, history often tilt it’s political and cultural focus on an individual and this case, points to former president Olusegun Obasanjo – who is widely acknowledged for his role in Nigerian history to have returned power back to civilian rule.
Obasanjo as an oracle carries along with him, an extraordinary but inexplicable force which makes him the mouth piece of the gods (the people).
Thus “what is known is the important life that he has lived: Obasanjo, the soldier, Obasanjo, the farmer, Obasanjo, the leader, Obasanjo, the statesman, Obasanjo, the politician, Obasanjo, the author, Obasanjo, the entrepreneur. He probably does not need a Ph.D to validate or prove himself further, but here he is: Obasanjo the scholar. Everything Obasanjo touches, he wants to get to the root and height of it. He projects a competitive spirit that is complex and near-mystical. His refusal to slow down as an octogenarian contains significant lessons for the younger generation” say Abati in his article titled “Olusegun Obasanjo, PhD.”
Last Sunday in Uyo, Obasanjo once again proved to be an oracle when he acknowledged the good deeds of Governor Udom Emmanuel in his visit to Akwa Ibom State.
Obasanjo who was full of praises for Governor Udom said that Nigeria needs more focus and committed leaders like Governor Emmanuel, hence Akwa Ibom people should vote for him massively come 2019.
Continuing further, Obasanjo said, “your Excellency, you are doing a wonderful work in Akwa Ibom and your people love you, when something is good, we have to keep it. I will come back and celebrate with you when the time comes”, halting the opposition APC propaganda in the state that the governor is underperforming.
What is the significance of Obasanjo’s comment about Udom? Analysts say that Obasanjo had established himself as a credible global voice, member of the Global Eminent Persons Group and a voice of reason in Africa, therefore his endorsement of governor Udom speaks volume of the governor’s integrity because Obasanjo had moved from being a merely retired soldier who did well to an acclaimed man of integrity and knowledge. His search for and cultivation of knowledge after his retirement as a soldier stood him in extreme good stead making him one of the the legends of our time.
Thus, Obj as he is fondly called, could be described as an oracle. According to Wikipedia, an oracle is a person or agency considered to provide wise and insightful counsel or prophetic predictions or precognition of the future, inspired by the gods such as Udom victory predicted as by Obj.
Obasanjo did not only prophecy Governor Udom’s victory, he spoke the minds of Akwa Ibom people who have reemphasized for the umpteenth time that the 2019 governorship election is a done deal for Governor Udom Emmanuel.
