Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has blasted Justice Valentine
Ashi of the FCT High Court, Wuse, Abuja, for granting an injunction
restraining him from publishing his three-part autobiography, My Watch.
Obasanjo, who spoke at the Lagos Country Club, venue of the book
presentation in Lagos, on Tuesday, said the public presentation of the
books did not contravene any law.
He said, “I had given the book to my editors and to the publisher.
As far as I am concerned, my job is done. I had written the book and
printed before the court injunction. “In a normal judiciary, the judge should be sanctioned and I hope
something will be done. We are here legally and lawfully and we will
continue to act lawfully and legally.” Obasanjo, who denied seeking a third term at the twilight of his
two-term presidency, said he never plotted to have a third term.
“Third term was not my agenda or intention although I would not
say I didn’t know about it. I didn’t mastermind third term. Those who
were telling me to go on were the governors that were going to benefit
from it.” A FCT High Court in Wuse Zone II, Abuja, had granted an order
restraining Obasanjo from going on with plans to publish or have someone
publish the autobiography on his behalf.
The first part of the autobiography captures Obasanjo’s early years
and his military service while the second part reflects political and
public affairs just as the third part encompasses current issues. In the book, Obasanjo accused the late President, Umaru Yar’Adua, of
hiding the ailment that eventually took his(Yar’Adua) life from
him(Obasanjo).
The ex-President, in three-volume book, also reserved harsh words for
his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Lagos State,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former FCT minister, Nasir el-Rufai; and even
Muhammadu Buhari among others. In the book, Obasanjo claimed that President Goodluck Jonathan
remained the “weakest” among “five presidents’ that currently ruled over
Nigeria.
There was a mild apprehension at the venue of the book presentation
as the event, which was scheduled to start by 10am, did not begin until
past 11am. Some of the guests felt the event might be prevented from holding by security agents. Many of the guests arrived much later after the students of The
Bells University of Technology, Ota, and a few invitees were seated.
Security was provided by policemen and officials of the Department of State Service, who frisked guests.
Obasanjo added that he had no apology or regret for helping Jonathan to emerge as the president of the country. He said people should learn from his action, adding that he was not infallible. “In don’t regret bringing in Yar’Adua and Jonathan.
If they don’t
do well, those coming from behind should learn from me and do better,”
he said. The former president said he had sought avenues to ventilate his
observations and positions with Jonathan but had to resort to writing
open letters to the latter because his efforts were frustrated.
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