“Nigeria was plagued by former retired military officers and elites” - Oshiomhole

Oshiomhole revealed that the country was plagued by former retired military officers and elites who supervised the restructuring of Nigeria from three regions to 37 states.

The former governor made the revelation while speaking at the first Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia memorial lecture, tagged: ‘Nation Building and Development in Nigeria’ and organised by the University of Abuja on Thursday, April 6, 2017.

Some of those who attended the event include former head of state, Yakubu Gowon, represented by Prof Osarhiemen Osunbor, minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr, Chris Ngige, governor of Edo, Godwin Obaseki, Hajiya Aisha Babangida.

Leadership reports that the former governor insists that these people are today responsible for the problems in the country. Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), recalled that these former military officers now troubling Nigeria had ruled the country for over 30 years of its existence and are now in civilian uniforms going about and criticizing governments.

The former governor who did not mention any name said: “Once our elites are out of government, they bring down the bridges of government. Our old elites have no right having messed up yesterday. “The task of nation building must not be compromised by our elites who have benefited from Nigeria through education and more. “These old men have no right, having messed up your yesterday and responsible for the confusion of today, they have no right to divert your attention to a feasible Nigeria for posterity.

“The poverty in Igbo is the same poverty in the north, the poverty in the east is the same poverty in the west, but when it comes to sharing money there is no Igbo, Yoruba or Hausas among them, they are united in looting.” 

He also opposed calls for the restructuring of the country arguing: “We only need to restructure and redistribute wealth in our country.” He also pleaded with Nigerians not to allow themselves be carried away, but know those who mean well for the country and those against its progress. He further commended the university for recognising the contributions of the late Ogbemudia, who was the pro chancellor and chairman of the governing council of UNIABUJ.