Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, stated that regardless of the happenings in Nigeria, he would continue to work for the unity, peace, security and progress of the country.
According to him, what it will cost Nigerians for the country not to continue to exist will be much more than what it will cost them to continue to make Nigeria to exist.
Obasanjo spoke at the launch of a book titled “My Life and Times,” a memoir by His Eminence Prelate, Sunday Mbang, to mark his 85th birthday in Lagos.
The former president noted that many people who are in position of power and in a special class could be described as enemies of the country, but said they would not succeed in their negative activities.
“Whatever happens, we will continue to work for the unity, peace, security and progress of this country. We want to assure you (Mbang) that Nigeria will continue to exist. The cost for us 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. You (Mbang) have shown us that you are not just a Nigerian, you are a lover of Nigeria. You’re a friend of Nigeria, you are somebody who will do anything for Nigeria.
That is why we are here to celebrate you,” he said.
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, noted that the book is not only about triumph, but also about trials.
“But the numerous challenges he (Mbang) faced early in life did not blur his focus. He kept the faith and trudged on, determined to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. His story is motivation that the great men we see today did not become great because they did not have challenges, but they braved the odds and defied challenges on their way to greatness.”
The reviewer, Toni Kan, said: “If you are looking for self-praise or ego massaging or dissembling, then this book, My Life and Times, is not for you. This is a book of unvarnished simple truths, one that tells the story of a man and a legend, a teacher and preacher, a father and leader who sees himself as no more than a simple anvil in the smithy of the Lord.”
