Be magnanimous in victory, Obasanjo tells Buhari

Former President Olusegun Obasnjo on Wednesday advised the President -Elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to demostrate magnanimity over his victory in the Saturday’s presidential election. Obasanjo gave the advice in abeokuta in his congratulatory message to Buhari. The former president noted that Nigeria’s political system was unnecessarily overheated by politicians. He observed that emphasis of the campaign was more on trivialities and was largely characterised by divisive, undignifying and disrespectful statements. Obasanjo therefore advised Buhari to be magnanimous by “binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaigns and the evil disciples”. The elder statesman expressed the belief that such disposition would enable Buhari to focus on pressing issues requiring urgent attention when he eventually assumed office.

Obasanjo urged him to embark on institutional reforms, to improve various sectors including education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure, power and agriculture. He also urged him to step up measures to promote national unity and cohesiveness as well as rid Nigeria of corruption. While expressing confidence in the ability of Buhari to perform, Obasanjo advised him to recruit people of proven integrity to work with him. “I am sure that there are men and women of goodwill, character and virtue across the board that you can mobilise to join hands with you in promoting Nigeria to enviable heights,” he said.