You’re getting older, slow down, stop writing letters – Amosun advises Obasanjo

Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Monday, cracked a joke addressing guests at the 81st birthday of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he advised the celebrant to stop writing letters because, according to him, he was already getting old.

He spoke just as the former President said one of his sad memories was the early death of his parents who could not reap the fruit of their labour.

Governor Amosun, while delivering his goodwill message at the event held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, also advised the Chief Obasanjo to slow down on his activities.

Describing Obasanjo as a lover of Nigeria and a true nationalist, Amosun said the history of African continent would remain incomplete without the former President.

He said, “Love him or hate him, there’s something nobody can take away from him, he’s a true nationalist, Baba loves Nigeria and I know that there’s absolutely nothing he wouldn’t want to do for Nigeria.

“Even beyond the sores of Nigeria, if you start counting, Baba would be one of the best three giant of Africa, many of whom are now longer with us.

“There’s no way the history of our nation Nigeria and the continent of Africa would be written without the prominent mention of Baba.

“When they were praying for Baba, they said 120 (years) and I said 100 (years) is okay. But Baba, when you live to that age, don’t write letters, don’t write ooo; because Baba would continue writing when he lives till 120 (years), please don’t write oo! That is Baba for you.

“Please reduce your activities, you’re not getting young anymore. Baba, please slow down, you’re not getting younger anymore; we are not saying Baba should be indoors because he would die, but while you’re doing something, please slow down because we still want to have you around for many years.”

The former President, who was very thankful to God, attributed successes recorded in his life to loyal and committed aides.

According to him, mentioning his achievements of life without mention of his aides would be an unpardonable omission.

He said, “When people talk about my achievement, not mentioning or remembering that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve anything all by myself alone. I believe it could amount to a various serious omission because many of those who worked with me worked loyally, worked committedly and some of them are still doing so up till today.

“One of the things that I always missed or remember with some feeling of sadness is that my parents left this world too early and that the sacrifices they have made for me, how I wish they have been around to see the fruit of their labour, that is not to be.

“But if, as Yorubas believe, that those who are dead are still able to see who are here alive, if my parents, wherever they are, are able to see those of us who are here, they will also be grateful to those who have worked with me to enable me to achieve these things. If they’ve been alive, they would have been proud of those achievements.”

Obasanjo was also very thankful to members of Board of Trustees of his presidential library, adding that he wouldn’t have started if he knew what was involved.

His words: “If I had known what is involved, I wouldn’t have touched it with the longest stick in the world. Of course, you all keep saying you thanked God that I did not know because I would have deprived posterity what we are now having here.

“But if not that you’re able to lift up my hand when I was getting tired, those who said, when we started, that it’s a job that will never be completed, they would have been proved right but for your help.”

On the Nigeria situation, the celebrant said people should not blame God but themselves, saying God has not created bad situation for the country.

“I do not believe God has created a bad situation for Nigeria, no; or for any particular section of this country, no; or for any part of Africa, no. When things are not going on right, we must blame ourselves and these are issues of leadership, governance, development and values, these are the things we must get right.”

Earlier, a close ally of the former President, Chief Femi Olopade described Obasanjo as a slave driver but who wants people in government to succeed.

Olopade said Obasanjo is a true Nigerian who must be listened to by the people in government.

He said, “He (Obasanjo) can get water out of the stone. When he talks, listen to him carefully. He is a true Nigerian and very generous about Nigeria.

“I pity those of you in government. Obasanjo is a slave driver but behind that he wants you to achieve success.”