Obasanjo To Jonathan: Do Not Reply, Rather Act On Issues Raised

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is expecting President Goodluck Jonathan to act in response to the letter he wrote to him on the state of the nation, rather than reply to the 18-page letter, reports have said.

According to source Vanguard regarded as competent, Obasanjo is more interested in Jonathan addressing the core issues he raised in his letter rather than getting a reply to his damning missive, entitled, ‘Before it is too late’.

The source also denied there was any breakfast meeting between Obasanjo and Jonathan at Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, saying the story was made up by those who tried to play down the importance of the former leader’s letter, adding that Obasanjo and Jonathan only met by chance and exchanged pleasantries as they lodged in the same hotel in Nairobi.

“The truth of the matter is that former President Obasanjo is not expecting President Jonathan to reply him. Absolutely no. The President did not consider it needful to respond to previous letters privately written to him by the former head of state and he does not expect any reply to this one.

“I can tell you that Obasanjo wrote the letter with the best intentions for Jonathan and Nigeria and what he wants from the President is courageous and timely actions to save Nigeria from the brink. That’s all.

“Obasanjo will be a happy Nigerian if appropriate steps are taken by President Jonathan to address the burning issues of corruption and other challenges that threaten to bring this country down.

“There is absolutely no reason to expect a reply from the Presidency when previous letters written to him were not even acknowledged,” the source said.

Meanwhile, indications emerged, weekend, that presidential aides have drafted a response to Obasanjo’s letter. The response was said to be awaiting Jonathan’s approval.

Obasanjo’s letter to Jonathan drawing his attention to myriad of issues capable of taking Nigeria to the brink if not addressed had been met with mixed reactions, with many applauding the former president for being a true elder statesman, and many others criticising him, saying he was also guilty of many of the issues raised while he was president.

The Presidency also fired back, describing the letter as inciting, provocative and self-serving.

Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, who issued a statement following the release of the letter, indicated that Jonathan would make a formal response but did not say when he would do so.