‘We own this country together’ – Obasanjo speaks on Igbo paternity rumours

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has addressed recent claims about his Igbo heritage with a light-hearted reaction.

In his response, Obasanjo expressed amusement at the insinuations and reaffirmed his belief in the unity of Nigeria, stating that no one should be marginalized based on their ethnic background.

Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria belongs to everyone equally and that such claims should not be a cause for division. His statement underscores his commitment to national cohesion and highlights the importance of unity in the country’s diverse social fabric.

The former president’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about ethnic identity and national integration, reinforcing his stance on inclusivity and equal ownership of the nation by all its citizens.

Obasanjo spoke when he received in audience the leadership of Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, an umbrella body of major markets in Lagos State at the boardroom of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, Ogun State on Thursday.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo who did not speak much further on the paternity claim issue, simply said: “it just make me laugh.”

Speaking on the meeting, the former President said the leadership of the group reached out to him to support the establishment of the Owerri Central Market positioned to be the best of its kind in the country.

He acknowledged that the Central Market Owerri had been contemplated since the creation of Imo state, adding that for one reason or the other, it has not been implemented, “but, I am glad it is coming up again and I hope this time, we are all going to make it real. It is going to be big, the first of its kind.

“And, I am happy also that the Governor is showing the desired interest and understanding. And, I am confident that the Owerri Central Market will be, as he expressed the desire to lead the marketing team for the market,” he said.

Obasanjo said he doesn’t believe anybody in Nigeria should be driven away from any part of the country asserting that, “we own this country together “

“Having ensured that the Yorubas, Igbos and Hausas all came together to fight the war of unity in Nigeria, and “not to fight Igbos to go, but to come. So if anybody says to me, that somebody should leave any place, he will be the one to leave.”

The group’s spokesperson Chief Emeka Dallas Emmanuel, who read a letter jointly signed by Comrade Chinedu Ukatu and Evangelist Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor said the market will be a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship assuring the group’s determination to play its role to the growth of the market and the nation.

He further sought the help of the former President towards the actualisation of the international market capable of taking a vast majority off the streets.

Emmanuel added the assistance of the former President will go a long way in helping their members to obtain loans to purchase shops and spaces at the market.