“When I Was President”: Obasanjo Claims America Couldn’t Do Anything in Africa Without His Knowledge
- Former President Olusegun Obasanjo claimed that the USA could not do anything in Africa without his knowledge
- Obasanjo said the late United States President Jimmy Carter informed him before making any decision in Africa
- The 88-year-old statesman explained why the US would not do anything in Africa without informing Nigeria first
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Abeokuta, Ogun State - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said America would not do anything in Africa without his knowledge when he was in charge.
Obasanjo tactfully recalled how the United States, under the late former President Jimmy Carter, held Nigeria in high esteem.
Source: Getty Images
His comment comes amid President Donald Trump’s invasion threat over alleged Christian genocide.
As reported by Daily Trust, Obasanjo chose not to make a direct remark on the ongoing controversy.
He spoke on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat (6.0) organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).
“When I was president and Head of State, three American presidents came to Nigeria. They have not lost anything that they were looking for in Nigeria. What did they see? At independence, the world saw Nigeria as a giant coming up. Soon after independence, we lost that. When [Murtala Muhammed] and I came into government, we brought it back.
“The Americas saw that there was a possibility of Nigeria being Africa’s leader, and we were on the way. When I was the military head of state, President Jimmy Carter was the president of America; he would not do anything in Africa without informing us. They are not taking permission from us, but they will tell us that 'they are doing this'," he remarked.
Source: Getty Images
NSCIA rejects Trump’s labelling of Nigeria
Recall that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs condemned the US's decision to label Nigeria a 'country of particular concern', calling it politically driven and misleading.
NSCIA secretary-general, Ishaq Oloyede, said Nigeria’s security crisis is not a religious war, but a result of poor governance and criminality.
The council also urged President Trump to retract the designation and support the country through genuine partnership and collaboration.
Read more stories on Trump's invasion threat:
- Trump’s Military Threats: 'US is Not Joking,' Primate Ayodele Speaks, Sends Strong Message to Tinubu
- US Invasion Threats: "Why Nigerians Must Reject Trump," Top Lawyer Speaks
- Trump: Shehu Sani Tells Nigerians with Revoked US Visas What to Do to Avoid Arrest
Alleged Christian genocide: Nigerian body backs Trump
Legit.ng also reported that the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) said the alleged Christian genocide is undeniable and urged President Bola Tinubu to cooperate with President Trump.
The PFN president, who made this comment, listed multiple attacks and abductions targeting Christians across the country, calling for diplomacy and decisive action, not confrontation.
However, he clarified that violence in Nigeria was not being carried out by Muslims in general but by radical elements, amid Trump's threats to carry out military action in the country to shield Christians.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
