Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed recent claims regarding his alleged Igbo paternity, stating that such insinuations simply make him laugh.
The revelation came during a meeting with the leadership of the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association, a prominent umbrella body representing major markets in Lagos State, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo did not delve deeply into the paternity claim but responded with a light-hearted, “It just makes me laugh.”
Turning to more pressing matters, Obasanjo emphasized his belief in the unity of Nigeria, declaring, “We own this country together.”
He asserted that no Nigerian should be driven away from any part of the country, recalling how the unity of the nation was preserved during the civil war, with all ethnic groups fighting to maintain a united Nigeria.
“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,” Obasanjo remarked firmly.
The former president’s remarks were made as he discussed plans with the Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Market Association for the establishment of the Owerri Central Market, envisioned to be the best of its kind in Nigeria.
Obasanjo expressed his support for the project, noting that the idea for the market had been in discussion since the creation of Imo State but had yet to be realized.
“I am glad it is coming up again, and I hope this time, we are all going to make it real. It is going to be big, the first of its kind,” Obasanjo said.
He also commended the Imo State Governor for his interest and support, expressing confidence in the successful development of the market.
The group’s spokesperson, Chief Emeka Dallas Emmanuel, highlighted the market’s potential as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
He assured the group’s commitment to the project’s success and the positive impact it would have on the community and the nation.
Emmanuel also sought Obasanjo’s assistance in helping their members secure loans to purchase shops and spaces at the market.
As the meeting concluded, Obasanjo’s message was clear: national unity and collaboration are essential for Nigeria’s progress, with projects like the Owerri Central Market serving as a testament to what can be achieved when the country comes together.