Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the country will not disintegrate in spite of the current challenges it is facing.
Obasanjo made the assertion in Lagos on Friday at a book lunch in honour of His Eminence, Sunday Mbang, Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria.
The launch of the book, “My Life and Times”, an autobiography of Mbang, was to celebrate the prelate on his 85th birthday, which was on August 26.
The event took place at the Admiralty Centre, Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to him, those fanning the embers of disunity are the enemies of the land and will soon be disgraced.
“The cost of disintegration is higher than the cost of being together.
“We have everything to gain by being united than disunited,” he said.
The former president, who was the Convener of the event, said the celebrant was a gift to Nigeria and the world.
He described Mbang as one who could lay down his life for the love of his country.
The Chairman of the event, Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State, said the prelate had been a father figure to him and a role model to many.
According to him, as one that speaks truth to power, his counsel has been of great significance to the good people of Akwa Ibom since he retired to his home in 2006.
He described the prelate as one who has been living a Christ-like life with many achievements on all fronts.
He said the people would forever be grateful to God for his presence and good health.
Also, His Grace, Isaac Ayobamiola, the Archbishop of Lagos Methodist Nigeria, in his message, said the prelate was an angel that lived among men.
He said that one’s contact with the prelate would show his saintly conduct and his advice on issues were of wisdom that led to solutions.
The Book Reviewer, Mr Tony Kan, said the book was a total chronicle of the real life of the prelate with all the goods and not too goods of challenges of life.
Obasanjo rules out Yoruba nation, IPOB, says ‘whatever happens, Nigeria will continue to exist’
Obasanjo did not mince words about the unity and indissolubility of Nigeria when he said the country that sprawl over 923,768 km² with over 200 million people will continue to exist no matter what happens.
Obasanjo, who was the Convener of the programme in honour of Mbang, described the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria as a lover of Nigeria.
The book, a memoir, chronicling the journey of the octogenarian, was titled, ‘My Life and Times’.
Obasanjo, 84, said the “many enemies” who don’t want to see the country’s continued co-existence would fail.
He said the cost of staying together as a nation is cheaper than the cost of dividing Nigeria.
The former head of state made the statement at a time when secessionist agitations, fueled by perceived injustice and worsening security situation, have increased across the country especially in Southern Nigeria.
The regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired), has been battling with secessionist groups including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra led by detained Nnamdi Kanu; as well as the Yoruba nation secessionist group spearheaded by Prof Banji Akintoye and embattled Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho.
Amid the whole struggle to hold together the soul of Nigeria just 60 years after independence and many interruptions of military takeovers, Obasanjo said he would continue to work for the peace and progress of a united Nigeria.
Obasanjo said: “We are here to honour somebody we should honour, and learn from him (Mbang), to show that we genuinely love and appreciate him for the service he has rendered to the Christian community in this country and world over. And to assure him that whatever happens, we will continue to work for unity, peace, security and progress of this country.
“I know that these are things that are dear to his heart. We want to assure you that Nigeria will continue to exist because the cost for Nigeria not to continue to exist is much more than the cost for us to make Nigeria to continue to exist.
“There are many people –high and low – who can be described as enemies of Nigeria but they will not win over those who are friends of Nigeria.”
Also at the event include the Akwa Ibom State Governor and Chairman of the occasion, Udom Emmanuel, as well as many dignitaries from all walks of life.
