Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria, has stated that he finds it funny that someone is claiming to be of Igbo descent because he doesn’t think anyone should be forced to leave any area of the nation.
Notwithstanding cultural differences, Obasanjo continued, “we own this country together.”
This was said by the former president on Thursday in the boardroom of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, when he was presented with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, which unites the main markets in Lagos State.
Obasanjo stated, “It just makes me laugh,” in a statement provided by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi. He did not elaborate on the paternity allegation controversy.
The group’s leadership, according to the former president, contacted him to offer help for the creation of the Owerri Central Market, which is slated to be the greatest of its kind in the nation.
He stated that although the Central Market Owerri has been discussed since Imo State’s founding, it has never been put into action for various reasons. Nevertheless, he expressed his gratitude that the idea is being raised once more and expressed the hope that this time, everyone will work together to bring it to reality. It will be significant, the first of its type.
“And, I am also happy that the governor is showing the desired interest and understanding. And, I am confident that the Owerri Central Market will be, as he expressed the desire to lead the marketing team for the market.
“Having ensured that the Yorubas, Igbos and Hausas all came together to fight the war of unity in Nigeria, and “not to fight Igbos to go, but to come. So if anybody says to me, that somebody should leave any place, he will be the one to leave” he said.
The group’s spokesperson, Emeka Emmanuel, assured the audience that the market will be a center for innovation and entrepreneurship while reading a letter that was co-signed by their leaders, Chinedu Ukatu and Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor. The group is committed to playing a part in the market’s and the country’s growth.
He also asked the former President for assistance in realizing the global market, which he claimed would result in the eviction of a large number of people from the streets.
Emmanuel went on to say that the former president’s support would be very helpful to their members in getting loans to buy stores and market spaces.
