About a week after former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting the formation of a movement and also advising Bu
About a week after former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, suggesting the formation of a movement and also advising Buhari against seeking a second term in office, his touted Coalition for Nigeria Movement got launched in Abuja at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre yesterday, Wednesday and today, Thursday at the Ogun State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Oke Ilewo area of Abeokuta, at exactly 12.44pm.
Even though the former president was not present at the Abuja launch, he was however present for the Abeokuta launch. Two former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Donald Duke, were in attendance at both events. Oyinlola, who spoke at the launch said: “If and when we come to an agreement that we must metamorphose into a political party, then we will. We’re not a political party, at least, for now”.
He described the coalition as a movement to salvage Nigeria. He said that the movement came into being in response to Obasanjo’s call for the emergence of a Coalition to help rescue the country from bad administration. Oyinlola was also the former Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said that the movement would provide equal platform for all Nigerians, especially women and youths. The former governor added that the movement would be led by the youth, while the elders would only play the role of a guide.
At the Abeokuta launch: With Donald Duke and Olagunsoye Oyinlola
Oyinlola faulted the allegation that the movement was carrying out Obasanjo’s agenda to install a new leadership for the country.
“To say that we are legitimising Obasanjo’s legacies is a beat off the mark. There is no one who can fault the issues raised in Obasanjo’s letter. Forget the messenger, let’s discuss the message. What he has done is to stir us from our slumber to the reality of what is happening in Nigeria to take charge and take action. Are there no other leaders sitting around and watching how things are going? I think we should give some kudos to him for being able to address Nigerians on the ills of the society which requires attention.’’
Obasanjo signing his form
When asked whether he had resigned his membership of the APC, Oyinlola said the issue did not arise since CNM was a movement and not yet a political party. He, however, said that he was not tied down to any political party.
Former governor of Cross River state, Donald Duke also spoke at the ceremony, and described the formation of the movement as timely. Duke stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and chat the way forward for the country. He said the country was not going to get better except Nigerians come together to change the narrative and the situation.
