BREAKING: Obasanjo Rules Out Yoruba Nation, IPOB, Says Nigeria’ll Continue To Exist

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Friday that Nigeria’s unity and indissolubility will continue to exist no matter what happens. Nigeria spans 923,768 km2 and has a population of over 200 million people.

He spoke at the Admiralty Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos State, at the book launch and 85th birthday celebrations of Eminence Prelate Sunday Mbang of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

Mbang, the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, was described as a lover of Nigeria by Obasanjo, who was the Convener of the program in his honor.

‘My Life and Times,’ a memoir recounting the octogenarian’s journey, was the title of the book.

Obasanjo, 84, predicted that the country’s “many adversaries” who oppose the country’s continuous coexistence would fail.

He claimed that the expense of being united as a country is less than the cost of separating Nigeria.

The former head of state made the statement at a time when secessionist agitations have risen across the country, particularly in Southern Nigeria, spurred by perceived unfairness and a deteriorating security environment.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s (retd.) regime has been fighting secessionist groups including as the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, led by jailed Nnamdi Kanu, and the Yoruba Nation, led by Prof Banji Akintoye and persecuted Sunday Adeyemo alias Sunday Igboho.

Obasanjo stated he will continue to strive for the peace and progress of a united Nigeria despite the ongoing struggle to keep Nigeria’s soul intact 60 years after independence and several disruptions due to military takeovers.

Speaking directly to the honored guest, the ex-President told the revered Christian leader that Nigeria’s foes would not triumph.

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.