Obj Vs GEJ: George, Kashamu, Fani Kayode join the fray

The feud between former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and President Goodluck Jonathan seems to be getting messier, with no end in sight, as supporters of both men continue joining the fray, attacking the opponent of their individual principal.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO), yesterday accused Chief Obasanjo of trying to undermine President Jonathan and his administration, vowing that the party would, at all cost, resist the antics of the former president.

Two PDP leaders in the South-West, Chief Bode George and Buruji Kashamu during separate press conferences in Lagos, warned the former president to stop the verbal attacks against President Jonathan.

George urged Obasanjo to remember that his own tenure was not perfect, advising him to play the role of an elder statesman.

He said it was unfortunate that Obasanjo was supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, when it was obvious that Jonathan was a better candidate.

He said, “As a Christian, it is emphasised when Jesus Christ said judge not so that you yourself will not be judged. The judgement is no longer about criticising Jonathan’s policies but he has gone to the extent of saying ‘Buhari will jail you, that is why you are afraid’.

“The things coming from him are becoming a bit worrisome”, and that there was a need for the PDP to sanction Obasanjo for anti-party activities because if he was not punished, other members of the party could do such in the future.

Kashamu, on his own part, said Obasanjo’s regime took corruption to greater heights, and wondered why the former President was critical of Jonathan.

Kashamu, who is the chairman of the Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of the party in the South-West, said insurgency started during Obasanjo’s regime and Jonathan should not be blamed for the development.

The senatorial candidate said Obasanjo deserved to be investigated and jailed.

“Obasanjo still wants to continue in power because if the APC, wins, he will be the one that will control everything. All that is going on now is hypocritical.”

Also addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, the Director of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO) Femi Fani Kayode, called on the former president to substantiate his allegation that President Jonathan is trying to stay in office by ‘hook or crook’, stating that if there is anyone in the political history of Nigeria that attempted to stay in office beyond the constitutional mandate, that it was Obasanjo, through the abortive third term agenda.

He said that President Jonathan has assured that the May 29 date is sacrosanct, adding, “one wonders why former President Obasanjo is creating such a hue and cry over nothing. What is he seeing that no one else can see? One wonders what his motives are? Does he have to rule every government by proxy? Must every leader take instructions from him? Is it a case of ‘’if I cannot control you and tell you what to do, then you must go?’’

-Ripples

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